Eric Jacson principal Sandown Bay and Ryde Academy Isle of Wight

Teaching union’s view on Rory Fox’s disappearance and future of Ryde Academy

This in from Dominic Coughlin from the Isle of Wight NUT. OnTheWight had repeatedly asked Dr Fox when he was leaving, he chose not to answer. Ed


The National Union of Teachers have announced that they will be working closely with AET the Academy Trust at Ryde Academy, the Union Members and Staff at the Academy, Parent Groups, the NASUWT and the local authority to rebuild Ryde Academy.

Over the last eighteen months the management regime in the Academy has denigrated staff in the press, bullied them in the school and forced many to leave.

Often staff have left with no other job to go to.

Resignation of those on ‘insecure contracts’
In addition, teachers have been recruited from various countries on insecure contracts and even some of these have felt they had no choice but to resign.

The National Union of Teachers are carrying out a survey of members to document the facts of this situation and Amanda Martin, the Executive Member, has been in direct talks with AET to bring this matter to their attention so that a solution can be found. Other recognised Unions are also involved in a similar exercise.

New interim Principal
Yesterday morning the staff arrived at the school and discovered that the Head Teacher, Dr Rory Fox, was not there.

Eric Jackson (pictured) Head Teacher from Sandown Bay Academy will be taking over management of the school while matters are investigated and dealt with correctly.

A good local school for very pupil
Patrick Ginnelly the Regional Officer for the National Union of Teachers said,

“Now is not the time to cast blame but to act to Rebuild Ryde Academy. The National Union of Teachers believes in a good local school for every pupil and Ryde Academy can become this once again.”

Amanda Martin the Executive Member said,

“We call on all staff, parents and pupils to join us in the campaign to Rebuild Ryde Academy. We welcome the support of AET in working with us to encourage and promote the employment of qualified, experienced and dedicated teachers rather than allowing staff to be driven out by bullying tactics.”

Ryde needs a good local school so let us all work to Rebuild Ryde Academy.