As many as 20 leaving cards lined up in the staff room to be signed at the end of term at Richmond Park Academy, it has been claimed.

It was reported earlier this month that nine of 57 teachers were leaving the school but now Richmond and Twickenham Times understands the number could be as high as 14, as well as six support staff.

One anonymous member of staff also told us several members of teaching staff had already left throughout the academic year.

The member of staff said: "There are 20 leaving cards to sign in the staff room."

Another member of staff said: “There is definitely more than nine teachers who are leaving."

Richmond and Twickenham Times contacted Richmond Park Academy for comment. The school referred us to a letter published in this newspaper on July 21, reproduced here:

Dear Sir,

I was very interested to read your front page article concerning Richmond Park Academy and feel compelled in my position as Principal of the school to reply.

When I took on my role in September of last year RPA was in the bottom 10% of schools nationally which was worrying - particularly in a high performing borough like Richmond. We, therefore, set about a number of fundamental changes, and students and staff alike have worked diligently to turn things around. However, we are under no illusion that there is no quick fix and that it is not going to happen without some financial discomfort and some unpopular decisions.

It is my fundamental responsibility to ensure that the learning foundations are secure across the academy so that the focus remains on those learning outcomes.

It is worth saying here that 9 teachers leaving a school at this time of year shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody. It is certainly true that all schools are affected by the national issues of funding and teacher recruitment to some degree. However, I am pleased to announce that we are fully staffed for September 2017, every newly appointed teacher has Qualified Teacher Status, and we are lucky to have recruited very highly skilled teachers across the school.

Richmond Park Academy has always been very honest about the journey that it is on. Since my appointment, I have given over 450 people tours of the school as part of the Tea, Talk and Tour event on Thursday mornings. Those will continue every Tuesday and Thursday in September and October. If Richmond & Twickenham Times or current or prospective parents wish to get a deeper understanding of our school, we would be delighted to welcome you.

My main priority this year continues to be about raising standards across the board and creating an outstanding environment that will make the school in time a destination of choice for all of our community. I am very proud of the positive response shown to the changes by Richmond Park Academy staff and students. It promises to be a bright future.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Paul Mundy-Castle

Principal

Richmond Park Academy