Shock as head leaves Sandy

Balraj Hare, who joined the school in 2013, spearheaded a transformation which saw 92 per cent of students gain five, or more, A*-C grades at GSCE and its best-ever A Level results.

A council spokesman said: “We can confirm that Balraj Hare has left Sandy Upper School and are delighted that Karen Hayward, who has played a significant role in the improvements at the school over the past two years, is taking over as interim principal.

“The council will work closely with the school during the process of appointing a permanent new principal and ensure that the excellent progress which has taken place there over the last two years continues.

“We would like to thank Ms Hare for the improvements she has brought to the school, and will work with Ms Hayward, staff and governors to ensure these are maintained.”

Only last month, as pupils received their GCSE and A level results Ms Hare was praising both pupils and the school.

She said: “Last year, at Sandy Upper we achieved the best ever A Levels results in the history of the school, but this year we have surpassed these even further.

“We have achieved an excellent overall pass rate of 99 percent, and we have had a huge increase in the top grades.

“98 percent of our students will now be able to attend their first choice universities and only a couple will have to go through clearing.”

Parents were informed of her departure by letter this week.