MORE than 750 supporters have got behind a parent-led petition against the headteacher of an “outstanding” Bowdon primary school – calling for her to be removed from her post.

Bollin Parent Engagement Group are taking “motion of no confidence”-style action against headteacher of Bollin Primary School, Michelle Brindle.

In a Change.org petition, the group stated it no longer had confidence in the head to lead and manage the school and that her style of leadership was ‘detrimental’ to staff and children.

The petition, addressed to Trafford LEA and the Chair of Governors of Bollin Primary School, garnered 500 signatures in its first week and now sits at 780 supporters.

According to the petition, 14 teachers have been working to rule since November 2016 and 14 teachers and two support staff have submitted numerous grievances in the past three months.

In December, four parent governors resigned.

“We believe this was forced upon the governors under threats of suspension due to alleged conflict of interest, which the governors categorically deny,” stated the petition organisers. They added that evidence of this conflict of interest was not provided.

A letter, signed by 130 parents, was sent to the chair of governors in December after allegations that a number of formal complaints made by parents were left unanswered. They said responses to the complaints were only received in early February, without explanation for the delay.

The suspension of a “well respected and experience” teacher in January compounded concerns and parents said they were accused of intimidating the supply teacher who took over the post.

“Despite assurances that disruption would be kept to a minimum, the class has been taught for weeks by two different teachers,” the petition states.

According to the petition, as of February 7, more than 150 Bollin parents had completed the Ofsted Parent View questionnaire. It claimed that of the parent respondents, 85 per cent disagreed with the statement, ‘This school is well led and managed”; 76 per cent disagreed with the statement “This school responds well to any concerns I raise” and 70 per cent would not recommend Bollin Primary School.

One former teacher, who signed the petition, commented: “I am greatly saddened and annoyed by the new management, and the affect it is having on the children, parents and the phenomenal teaching team.”

Another signatory, a parent whose three children attended Bollin primary, said: “It is shocking to think that this community is being destroyed.”

However, another petition was launched earlier this week in support of the head, with 58 signing it so far.  

Bollin Positive Parents set up the "We have confidence in our Headteacher at the Bollin Primary School to lead our school" petition, with signatories including former colleagues and parents of children at the school. 

The petition organisers stated: "We believe the headteacher at the Bollin Primary School should be allowed to manage and lead the school without interference and harassment from a group of parents who disagree with her style and approach of management.  

"Issues need to be addressed through the proper and appropriate channels."

One former colleague said: "She is an outstanding headteacher who is 100% for the children", whilst a parent commented: "I appreciate the positive impact she has had on the children's education".   

Headteacher of Bollin Primary School Michelle Brindle said: “As head teacher, I am one hundred per cent committed to my position, the pupils and the team.

"I want to work alongside parents and the governors to make the school a happy and inspirational environment for both the children and staff. This academic year will see a state of the art Science Lab added to the school, which marks the first in a long line of exciting things happening at the Bollin for us all to look forward to.”

Bollin Chair of Governors Tony Field said: “The newly elected governing body of the Bollin Primary School acknowledges that there is a backlog of paperwork which was inherited from the previous governing body. We are working through each individual case and plan to have all outstanding issues resolved as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “The council is aware of the petition. The issues raised are matters for the governing body of the school however, assurances have been given to the Bollin Parent Engagement Group and to other parents, that the council is working with all parties to improve the situation and to achieve a satisfactory outcome at the school.”