Handsworth Grange Community Sports College: New headteacher at Sheffield school after losing Outstanding grade

Handsworth Grange Community Sports College has announced its former deputy, Suzy Matlock, will take the helm following the departure of previous head Nick Parker.

In a statement, operators Minerva Learning Trust said the 11-16 sports school was on “a journey of development” and praised Ms Matlock as “an experienced and skilled leader”. The new head said: “I am delighted and honoured to accept the role of Headteacher and to continue with the work that we have started in recent months.”

Ms Matlock was first appointed deputy head at the beginning of the autumn term in 2022.

It comes five months after Handsworth Grange lost its former ‘Outstanding’ rating with Ofsted following a visit in late 2022.

Inspectors complimented the college on pupils’ “positive attitudes to their education” and staff expectations, but felt some pupils’ behaviour was poor outside the classroom, which Ofsted found “unruly and upsetting”.

Ofsted also felt that many pupils were “very upset about recent changes to school policies and the way that these have been implemented,” largely to do with uniform, mobile phones and toilets.

The report, published in January 2023, reads: “There are gaps in leaders’ plans to support the personal development of pupils. This means that many pupils lack important knowledge and understanding which they will need.”

Bev Matthews, CEO of Minerva Learning Trust, said: “In the short time [Ms Matlock] has worked at the school she has already had a huge positive influence, making key changes that have further improved things for the students at the school.”