Michael Gormally takes early retirement on the grounds of ill-health
The Headteacher of Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School has announced his early retirement on the grounds of ill-health.
The much admired head of the successful Catholic boys comprehensive school will step down from his role at the end of the current term after more than 13 years in the role.
Writing to Parents, Colleagues, Governors and Old Vaughanians, Mr Gormally stated, "When, recently, my doctors told me that the condition which impairs my mobility so severely and which saps my energy so sorely is likely to be permanent, I asked the Department for Education to allow me early retirement on the grounds of ill-health. The School will not continue to flourish – in these difficult times especially – without vigorous leadership of the sort I can no longer provide. Late last week I heard that my request had been granted. Thus I will leave the Vaughan at the end of this Trinity Term."
He went onto praise Charles Eynaud, the Acting Headmaster who has done "sterling work during the long months of my absence, and I know that he will continue to do so until a permanent appointment to the Headship is made."
Speaking about the parents of pupils he said, "Your remarkable loyalty.. has been the Vaughan’s backbone and the secret of its success since its foundation in 1914."
He concluded, "In a very real sense, this community has been my home and my extended family for thirty years. Life outside it is going to be a strange and bewildering affair. Please pray for me, as I will for you. Above all, let us pray most fervently for the good estate of the Vaughan School, which we love so dearly and so well."
Pupils were saddened by the news that their Headmaster would not be returning in the new term. One Year 8 pupils said, "The school just won't be the same without him!"
June 30, 2010