As you may know, our fantastic Mr Shildrick, deputy head teacher at Barleyfields Primary School, has not been selected for interview for the role of headteacher on the retirement of Mrs Taylor.  

Mr Shildrick opened Barleyfields Primary School along with Mrs Taylor in 2006 - devoting the last twenty years of his life.  For the last ten years he has been a non-teaching deputy head, choosing to commit to the school he loves over seeking promotion elsewhere.  You would expect natural progression within a school you have helped to shape and nurture over time.  He has a great presence within the school for pupils and parents alike, and we certainly could not have managed without him at times. 

He displays many, if not all, of the qualities Prince Regent Street Trust specify in the job specification.  The only sticking point being he does not have 3 years head teacher experience.  I would suggest that being an integral cog in the school wheel, working as deputy head for such a long time and being such a visible and interactive member of staff should be deemed equally, if not more, important. 

If you believe Mr Shildrick should be given an opportunity to interview for the role of headteacher please sign this petition to show your support.  

Sometimes you have to speak up for what is right - this is one of those times.