Tottington High School headteacher leaves after ‘absence’

The Shaw Education Trust confirmed the news to parents in a letter on Tuesday (December 9), saying Mr Yates left on December 5 to “pursue new opportunities”.

The headteacher was appointed to the role in the summer of 2024.

However, he has not been seen at the Laurel Street school since June, sparking a flurry of rumours and speculation on social media – as well as a cancelled protest by parents calling for him to stay in post.

An online petition was also launched in July to ‘save’ the Tottington High School headteacher, garnering more than 2,000 signatures.

It claimed that Mr Yates has “turned Tottington High around, stamping out bullying, championing inclusion and making students feel truly seen” and has labelled the move as “discriminatory”.  

In its letter, the trust said it was “disappointed” that he wouldn’t be returning to the post, but they thanked him for his “openness and caring nature” and for the improvements he had made.

The letter, seen by the Bury Times, said: “Mr Yates will be leaving his role as Headteacher on December 5, 2025, in order to pursue new opportunities.

“The trust is disappointed that Mr Yates is not returning to Tottington High School as his openness and caring nature have meant a lot to many students and parents, and we know he will be missed.

During his time at Tottington, Mr Yates has worked closely with staff, Parents/Carers and students to bring about a number of improvements, including making significant progress towards balancing the school budget from a deficit position, reducing reliance on supply teaching, improving attendance upon previous years, enhancing the reputation and perception of Tottington within the wider community, improving first choices, and creating a positive school environment.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Yates for his hard work, commitment, and determination throughout his time at THS.

” Mr Yates would like to thank parents and carers for the way he was welcomed by the Tottington family. He is very proud of the way parents/carers and the local community gave their support to the school.

“Most of all, Mr Yates would like to thank all of the students who welcomed him and embraced his approach, and he hopes that he has made a difference to as many students as possible.

“Mr Yates is saddened to be leaving Tottington High School and he hopes that the students will continue with the great progress they have made both inside and outside the classroom as they continue at Tottington and beyond.”

The trust also confirmed deputy headteacher Rachael Deakin will leave her post at the end of the term as she takes on a role at a different academy trust.

It said she has “made a significant contribution” during her years at Tottington and played a “vital role” in developing the school over the past year.

We would like to offer Rachael many congratulations on her new role and thank her, most sincerely, for the dedication, hard work and determination she has brought to her role at Tottington,” the trust said.

“She has been an exceptional member of the team who will be missed by all of us.”

Louise McCool, the assistant headteacher, has been appointed interim deputy headteacher for the remainder of the academic year and will focus on the “quality of education”.

She will work alongside Louise Jaunbocus-Cooper, who is leading on safeguarding, behaviour and attitudes.

Tottington High School has been approached for a comment.