THE headteacher of a newly-converted academy school in Bradford has resigned over “family commitments”, it has emerged.

Rob Browning, who was the head of Beckfoot Thornton, the former Thornton Grammar School, has left.

The post has now been filled on an interim basis by experienced head and former Ofsted inspector Jeremy Richardson, an associate director of Beckfoot Trust, which runs the school.

The school, off Leaventhorpe Lane, Thornton, became an academy in September as part of the Trust, which also runs Beckfoot School in Bingley, and Beckfoot Upper Heaton, formerly Belle Vue Boys.

David Horn, chief executive of Beckfoot Trust said that Mr Browning had tendered his resignation “due to family commitments” as of March 15.

“The Trust has accepted his resignation and his request for an early leave date in order to support his family whilst enabling the school to move swiftly forward in the rapid improvement and changes needed to support our pupils.

“I have taken the decision to ask one of the associate directors of the Trust, Jeremy Richardson to take the headship of the school on an interim basis until the end of the academic year. Jeremy has experience of leading schools as a headteacher, has been an Ofsted inspector and led educational strategy initiatives nationally. Jeremy will take up this post with immediate effect and will be supported by the Trust.

“On behalf of everyone involved with Beckfoot Thornton and the Trust, I want to thank Rob for all he has given the school and wish him the very best for the future.”

In a letter to parents on the school’s website, Mr Browning thanked students, colleagues, parents, past governors and the Trust for their hard work and support over the two years he had been in post.

“It has been a real privilege to lead both Thornton Grammar School and Beckfoot Thornton,” he said.

“I am excited about how working with the Trust, the school will continue to improve and make rapid progress to ensure that all our students are successful.”

Local councillor Richard Dunbar told the Telegraph & Argus: “I would hope that a permanent replacement is found as soon as possible, because as we all know the progress and outcomes of our school children are vitally important.”

It comes as the school has publicised several key changes to its behaviour policy which come into effect after the Easter holidays.

These include a ban on mobile phones within school grounds, as well as a crackdown on correct school uniform being worn and on punctuality.

Prior to being taken over by the Beckfoot Trust and becoming an academy, Thornton Grammar had been ordered to improve by Ofsted inspectors.

MORE EDUCATION HEADLINES