Avon Valley School

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The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College is a self-governed specialist school in the British town of Rugby, Warwickshire. The school is non-selective, catering for students aged 11-16.

The school opened on its current site on Newbold Road in 1956 as Newbold Grange High School. Until the early 1990s, under the rule of Mr Turbayne, the school was subject to much criticism, with a relatively bad reputation^[1].

In September 1992, Mark Braine took over as Headmaster.^[1][2] at which point the school was renamed The Avon Valley School. Since then, the school has grown in number, and is today one of the best schools in the area. Unfortunately, on 28 June 2004, the school fell victim to a huge fire, which reduced the entire school to rubble.^[3] From the following September it moved into temporary class rooms.

In October 2004 Mark Braine took leave of absence^[4], left the school's employment in April 2005^[2], and on 27 September 2006 a disciplinary order was made against him by the General Teaching Council, taking effect on 11 October 2006.^[2]

"Mr Braine... was inappropriately involved in the appointment and promotion of his wife and daughter to posts at the school... made unwanted and personal approaches to seven female members of school staff... abused and bullied members of staff... inappropriately disclosed confidential information to staff about a police investigation into another staff member... ignored proper employment practice and acceptable standards of governance and propriety in the manner of staff appointments, promotions and changes in responsibility."^[2]

In 2006 Don O'Neil, who had been Deputy Headteacher under Mark Braine and acting Headteacher after October 2004^[1], became Headteacher. The school is currently being rebuilt under his headship and is soon to establish itself in brick buildings once again, this time, as The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College.

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Transcript of BBC Radio 4 programme “File On 4” – Head Teachers (21-2-06) Accessed 20-12-06
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Mr Mark Braine: Disciplinary order made by the GTC (27-9-06) Accessed 20-12-06
3. ^ Warwickshire Council Pledges support for Avon Valley School (30-6-04) Accessed 20-12-06
4. ^ BBC News Arson-hit school's head departs Accessed 20-12-06

Avon Valley School website.