THE headteacher at a large Leigh secondary school has stepped down after more than a decade to “pursue new challenges in the education sector”. 

The Eastwood Academy, in Rayleigh Road, wrote to parents on Monday (October 2) to confirm that Neil Houchen had left his role at the school. 

He was appointed as headteacher back in 2011 and oversaw the school become part of the Eastwood Park Academy Trust in 2017. 

The Echo has contacted the trust to ask for further information around Mr Houchen’s exit, as well as what plan is in place for his role to be filled, however the trust failed to respond. 

A letter sent to parents - and seen by the Echo - states Mr Houchen wishes to “pursue new challenges in the education sector”.

It added: “Mr Houchen was appointed principal of the academy in 2011 and CEO in 2017 when the Eastwood Park Academy Trust was formed.

“In his role as principal, Mr Houchen was instrumental in the Eastwood Academy securing an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted inspection in 2018.

“As CEO, Mr Houchen has overseen the team at Bournemouth Park Academy to assist the school in ensuring continuous improvement in outcomes for pupils to support them in securing a ‘good’ Ofsted inspection in 2019.

“He is leaving The Eastwood Academy and the Eastwood Park Academy Trust in a position where it can continue to successfully move forward under new leadership.

“I would like to personally thank Mr Houchen for his substantial and sustained contribution to both The Eastwood Academy and the Eastwood Park Academy Trust and wish him well in the future.”

The school has 1,119 pupils on its role. 

The Eastwood Academy has an “outstanding” rating - the highest possible rating Ofsted can give. 

Helen Boyd, Conservative councillor responsible for children’s services, education, and learning, said: “I am sure Mr Houchen has done a very good job.

“I hope his resignation will not have an effect on the pupils and the governors will go through the process of finding someone suitable to follow in Mr Houchen’s footsteps.

“On behalf of the authority, we wish him all the very best in his new venture in the education sector, and I hope the Eastwood Academy can carry on his great work.”