Headteacher defends school's reputation (From Bucks Free Press)

Headteacher defends The Beaconsfield School's reputation

9:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Education By Lawrence Dunhill

A HEADTEACHER has jumped to the defence of his school after the mayor of Beaconsfield claimed its reputation was in decline.

Councillor Richard Keith has accused a group of pupils from The Beaconsfield School of “anti-social behaviour” in the Old Town.

In an open letter to the headteacher, which was attached to a town council agenda last month, Cllr Keith said the group has caused distress for residents and businesses in Malthouse Square and Ayesbury End.

He said the teenagers “are causing problems in the local community and adding to the decline in the local reputation of The Beaconsfield School”.

But in a terse response headteacher John Fletcher said: “I am sure you are aware that this is a general issue and not all the students involved are from our school...”

“The overwhelming majority of the students in school are fantastic ambassadors....It would be a shame that the action of a few are allowed by people in positions of responsibility to tarnish the reputation of the majority.”

He said the group of youngsters go to several local schools, but meet up in Beaconsfield.

He added: “I deeply regret that students from this school have been involved in these incidents but they all occurred in the evenings or at weekends/holiday times...

“Unfortunately many of the problems are beyond our control and we find ourselves having to deal with deep-seated social and economic problems which manifest themselves in different ways...

“I think it is important that all parties who have positions of leadership in the local community come together to ensure that the wrong message is not communicated....

"I trust my response will be recorded for the town records as you have requested that your email to me has been recorded."

Cllr Keith had also referred to two cases of vandalism to porches at St Mary’s Church over the Christmas period, which resulted in padlocks and chains being used to secure the premises.

But Mr Fletcher told the Bucks Free Press: “My understanding is that three pupils from the school were part of the group that has been congregated in the church grounds.

“They have always been polite to the vicar and have moved on when asked. We are not aware that they have been linked to [the] incident that was reported in the press.”

Police said the vandalism at St Mary’s is being investigated.

Meanwhile, town councillor Sandy Saunders said the reports about youngsters were “nothing” compared to the behaviour of drunk adults in the Old Town on Friday and Saturday nights.

He referred to noise and shouting into the early hours, broken glass and several reported incidents of people urinating through letterboxes.

About 60 people attended a meeting at the Fitzwilliam Centre last month to discuss the perceived rise of anti-social behaviour.

The meeting heard about a catalogue of incidents, including smashed windows and plants being pulled up.

Various people have said there is a lack of things for youngsters to do in Beaconsfield, while the town council is currently looking at the possibility of creating a BMX park.