Support has been pouring in for a 'strict' headteacher after he suddenly quit a Bracknell school after just two years in post.
Bhavin Tailor announced in an end-of-term letter to parents that he intends to leave Brakenhale School in February next year.
The schoolmaster, who has hit the headlines for his 'tough regime' at the Bracknell secondary, said he had made the decision due to his commute from London and personal circumstances.
It comes three months after a string of complaints from parents of Brakenhale pupils about strict behaviour rules that led some to liken the school to a “military camp".
However following the news there has been an outpouring of support in favour of Mr Tailor's style of teaching.
Describing him as skilful, well-spoken and disciplined, parents have said it is a "great shame" Mr Tailor is leaving as others say they feel he'd fare better in the private school sector.
Tim Danks said: "It is a pity, more heads like [Mr Tailor] are needed. The parents who complained about him may see this as a victory but it actually reflects on their standards more than the heads."
While AJ Asenath added: "[He] seems to me to be a headteacher that wants to teach children boundaries. School is for learning. But in this Nanny state of wrapping children in cotton woo I guess boundaries and rules are too much for some."
Lers Lequel added: “He belongs in the independent schools sector where he would be appreciated for his skill, diligence and commitment.”
Zolzaya Belegt meanwhile said: “My son is in year seven. I wasn’t sure about the school in the first few months however my son is thriving there. He has been becoming an independent young man.”
Vivenne Ballico said it was a “pity a disciplined headmaster” had to leave, adding: “God knows this school needs it.” She claimed to have complained about school children beforehand for “loitering in places they shouldn’t be” and “smoking recreational drugs”.
In his letter to parents Mr Tailor said: “With a heavy heart, I will be stepping down as headteacher of our great school.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. However, it is a decision I have come to due to my commute from west London and some personal circumstances. This will mean that I will be able to be closer to family, including those up north in Bolton.”
Mr Tailor began as Brakenhale School’s headteacher in September 2021. His time at the school has been punctuated with parents’ and pupils’ claims that rules were needlessly strict.
In January 2022 parents complained that pupils were barred from going to the toilet during lessons and made to line up several times a day.
In September this year pupils were told they must not remove their school blazers, even in 30 degree heat. The pupils also found that their lunch break had been shortened to 25 minutes, leaving them little time to eat.
And there were reports of new Year 7 pupils frightened and in tears over the threat of detentions for minor infractions such as wearing the wrong colour socks.
Some pupils also told the News they had been threatened with punishment for raising concerns about a photograph appearing to show assistant head Philip McKane in 'blackface' fancy dress.
Yet complaints began before Mr Tailor’s time as headteacher. Brakenhale School was forced to drop a ban on facial hair after complaints in November 2019. And there was a petition against the school uniform policy in July 2021.
The Greenshaw Learning Trust declined to comment on Mr Tailor’s resignation or the school’s behaviour policy.
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