STUDENTS in Felixstowe are today facing up to losing their headteacher – as he returns to the school he came from.David Forrest, headteacher at Orwell High, announced his resignation and will be leaving the school at Easter to take up the post of headteacher at Sudbury Upper School.

STUDENTS in Felixstowe are today facing up to losing their headteacher – as he returns to the school he came from.

David Forrest, headteacher at Orwell High, announced his resignation and will be leaving the school at Easter to take up the post of headteacher at Sudbury Upper School.

Mr Forrest joined Orwell three years ago after previously being at Sudbury Upper for 14 years, the last four as deputy headteacher.

Governors of Orwell High and the education authority are now looking to employ a headteacher from another high school for one term with a new permanent headteacher taking up post from September.

Mr Forrest said he was "very proud" of all that he, the staff, governors and pupils had achieved together at Orwell over the past three years.

"We have very clear improvements in behaviour, student results, the school ethos, the enjoyment and satisfaction which students and staff gain from their time in school," he said.

"In addition the school environment, the ways in which we all work together and the expectations which we have of the students and for the future of the school are continually improving.

"We are clearly focussed on the development of students academically, socially, morally and spiritually. We know we are a good school and that we will become even better.

"I am very fond of the school and I will remain keenly interested in its future. I am very grateful for the support and encouragement which I have received from students, parents, staff, governors and friends of the school and I am proud to have been associated with the development of Orwell High School.

"I will, of course, remain fully involved in the school until Easter and will be very happy to help in any way I can after that."

The work of the teachers and support staff in the school, working under the guidance of the strong and effective leadership team and its strategic vision, would not change.

The school also benefits from a great deal of parental and community support especially through the governing body and its PFA.