'Amazing' head leaves school despite petition

A POPULAR headteacher has left his high school position despite calls from parents for him to remain.

- By EMMA GILL

David Yates has been absent from Tottington High School in Bury since June, causing concern among families with children at the school.

An online petition was launched to save the 'amazing' head, amassing 2,400 signatures, and parents took to social media to share their stories of the 'down to earth' principal who they said had helped to turn the school around.

A protest was also planned but later cancelled. Now the Shaw Education Trust, which runs the Laurel Street school, has written to parents saying Mr Yates has left his role 'to pursue new opportunities.

"The trust are disappointed that Mr Yates is not returning to Tottington High School as his openness and caring nature has meant a lot to many students and parents and we know he will be missed," says trust CEO Kerry Inscker in the letter.