The principal of a St Neots secondary school has decided to leave at the end of term, parents and carers have been told.  

Mark Neesam, the principal of Ernulf Academy, had been with the school since 2019 and had the task of turning it around following a ‘requires improvement’ Ofsted last year.  

In a message to parents, the Astrea Academy Trust says it has "reluctantly accepted” his decision and that he is currently off sick and unable to share the news in person.  

Thomas Fisher, who is currently a vice-principal already with the trust, has been appointed as interim principal for the remainder of the school year.  

An Astrea Academy Trust spokesperson said: “Mark Neesam has been with us at Ernulf since 2019 and has been a passionate advocate for improving outcomes for children and young people.  

“On behalf of everyone at Astrea, we thank him for all his hard work and commitment to making Ernulf Academy a school that gives every child a brilliant education.” 

She added: “During his time, Mark has overseen significant growth at Ernulf, with more families choosing to send their children to us.  

“He has also cultivated a really strong sense of team spirit, community and camaraderie, which is so core to any school improvement journey.” 

One concerned parent who disagrees with the trust’s sentiment has shared her feelings anonymously for fear of repercussions for their child. 

Ernulf Academy was rated 'requires improvement' in January 2023. Ernulf Academy was rated 'requires improvement' in January 2023. (Image: Google Street View) Parent A said: “I find it laughable that he encouraged more students into the school when the only other one [Longsands Academy] has such a bad reputation and is oversubscribed.  

“Kids have no choice but to go there. 

“Children leaving have less chance in further education because of the reputation of this school which is unfair.” 

While the trust says there will be “an opportunity to give [Mr Neesam] a proper Ernulf farewell”, Parent A feels it is “completely unacceptable” hasn't met with parents before his departure was announced. 

At the moment, the trust is advertising a new vice principal role at Ernulf Academy with an annual salary of up to £80,000.  

When asked about the status of vice principals Fizz Foley and George Lewis, the spokesperson said they both remain employed at the school.  

Referring to Ernulfs interim principal Mr Fisher, the Astrea spokesperson said he was previously an assistant principal for four years at a school in Norfolk rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.  

She said: “He has been in school for the last few weeks providing additional leadership support and has been getting to know the staff and students and is keen to build on the progress already made as we move into this new chapter for Ernulf.” 

The issue of secondary education in St Neots has been debated widely among the general election candidates for the St Neots and Mid-Cambridgeshire constituency.  

Both of the town’s secondary schools – Ernulf Academy and Longsands Academy – are run by the Astrea Academy Trust.  

The trust is widely criticised for its strict behaviour policies which, many parents and carers feel, are unfair and go too far.  

However Ofsted recently rated Longsands Academy ‘good’ following an inspection earlier this year.  

A ‘good’ rating was also awarded last month to St Ivo Academy, in St Ives, which the trust also runs.