THE principal of St Neots Community College has resigned following the county council s decision to go-ahead with the formation of a federation of the town s two secondary schools. Eueth Forrester, who has been at the college since 2007, will leave on F

THE principal of St Neots Community College has resigned following the county council's decision to go-ahead with the formation of a federation of the town's two secondary schools.

Eueth Forrester, who has been at the college since 2007, will leave on Friday (February 26) to start a new job as a consultant head teacher with Cambridgeshire County Council.

His departure follows a decision by the council's cabinet to go-ahead with plans to form a "federation" of St Neots Community College with Longsands College.

Mr Forrester said: "This represents decisive action at a time when further delay or confusion is not in the best interest of our students and staff. When the principal of the Federation is appointed, he or she should be given a clear opportunity to manage the process of change.

"The role of principal of St Neots Community College has been challenging, but it has been an honour to serve the community with my colleagues."

St Neots Community College has been in 'special measures' since May 2009, but it is hoped that a monitoring inspection this week will highlight improvements.

Mr Forrester will start his new job as consultant head teacher with the council on March 1. He will work with the authority's pupil referral units.

Gordon Jeyes, the council's executive director for Children and Young People's Services said: "There has been wide-ranging and constructive debate in St Neots about the future governance arrangements for secondary provision in the town. The governing bodies of the two schools have both come out in favour of a federation and there will now be a formal consultation. After the debate there is a need for certainty and clear focused leadership.

"In stepping aside Eueth has acted with great integrity and put the interests of the school community first. I look forward to working with him in his new role as we develop a wider range of education provision and support schools to cater for those educated other than at school.