A HEADTEACHER who transformed a failing school is resigning to take another role.

Simon Cox, 44, who has been headteacher at Woodlands School in Basildon for five years will be handing over the role.

He is preparing for a new job with the E-Act trust of schools and taking a role based in Daventry in Northamptonshire.

The headteacher said he is sad to be leaving the school behind.

He said: "I have been offered a wonderful opportunity in a national trust of schools to peruse and I believe I have got to seize the opportunity.

"When I was brought into the school it was in a bit of a mess but it is now in a great position to develop further.

"The school has become significantly oversubscribed and is in the top percent of schools for results.

"It has been a big part of my life and we have all been through a positive journey together.

"It is with much sadness that I leave and the hardest part was speaking with the different year groups at our school.

"I have invested much time in our students and they and their parents have given me their faith in me.

"David Wright, deputy headteacher, will be taking up the role of acting headteacher and then there will be a substantive headteacher in September.

"There are various highlights but one of the biggest and best things is witnessing the individual journeys and stories of our students and then seeing their success on results day.

"That will be one of the lasting memories for me.

"Another major highlight is when in March 2018 we were rated as good with outstanding leadership by Ofsted."

One of the most note worthy changes he brought in saw an enrichment week for students.

It was announced in June last year, pupils would be allowed an “enrichment week” when parents could take them on holiday.

The new scheme is aimed at giving parents the chance to take their kids on holiday when it is more affordable, Mr Cox said.

The unusual scheme attracted vast amounts of attention and saw Mr Cox interviewed on various TV chat shows.

He said he never expected it to draw all the attention.

Mr Cox went on to say the scheme has a positive impact on children and their families.

Mr Cox’s last day at Woodlands will be April 5.

Deputy head David Wright will become acting headteacher and an advert will be placed with a view to finding a full-time head by either September or January.

Mr Cox said the school will be in good hands with Mr Wright taking the leadership role.