School turmoil 'could hamper recruitment'

Bosses at the only school on the Isles of Scilly have conceded that the turmoil surrounding their previous headteacher could hamper efforts to find a replacement.

The admission comes as an advertisement to secure a new leader for the Five Islands School is today placed in national journals.

Ben Julian, chairman of the governors' board, agreed the school had witnessed "significant turmoil" since former headteacher Bryce Wilby was suspended in May last year then quit.

"It's a little bit of a concern. You could Google the name of the school and see what has happened," he said.

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"It's something we have to bear in mind and just be prepared with an answer."

But, said Mr Julian, the governors were determined to look ahead and secure the school's future.

He said the new headteacher, who will earn a salary of between £64,000 and £74,000, would have "a lot to work with".

He said: "We have a new school building, dedicated staff and high achieving pupils."

However, he added that though the Scillies are regarded by many as paradise, living there "was not for everyone" and the ability to fit into island life was as important as leadership skills.