A PRINCIPAL who saw a Darwen high school through a controversial conversion to academy status is set to retire after more than 30 years of teaching.

Fiona Jack, who will leave her post at the end of the academic year, joined Darwen Vale High School in 2012 and saw the school forced into academy status in 2014 after being deemed ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted the year before.

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The controversial move saw parents and teachers stage a protest outside the school after a consultation which surveyed 223 people found that 87 per cent opposed the plan.

During the challenging period Mrs Jack fought to ensure that concerns were acted on such as keeping the school’s name as it was and its engineering specialism.

Mrs Jack said in a letter to parents that she was incredibly proud of the school and will forever hold great memories of leading it.

She said: “I am very passionate about Darwen Vale and believe it is well on the way to becoming the outstanding provision our pupils deserve. It has been a privilege to lead this school over the recent years, working with committed staff and inspirational young people. I have always valued the support we get from parents and the wider community and can only see great things for Darwen Vale moving forward.

“I have no plans for my own future at the moment – other than to stand still, breathe and enjoy a break. After a long career in education I am going to take my time in considering what exciting things I might get involved in.

“Whatever those are I know I will take with me great memories of everything we have achieved together at Vale including, I’m sure, some great achievements over the next three months.”

The Aldridge North West Education Trust has already started the process of recruiting Mrs Jack’s permanent replacement and David Hallam has been appointed as acting principal.

Geoff Bean, chair of the Darwen Vale governing body, said that Mrs Jack always wanted the very best for her students and had given her all to the school. He said: “Mrs Jack has guided the school through a challenging period of change, and has been uncompromising in her dedication to secure the very best for our current and future students.

“In the summer she will leave a very secure school well equipped for an exciting future, but until then she will continue to lead the school and be available to parents as normal.”