Farewell to ‘compassionate’ headteacher who helped Chesterfield secondary school improve Ofsted rating from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’

Whittington Green School community said farewell to their beloved headteacher Tracey Burnside who is retiring after 13 years at the helm of the Chesterfield secondary.

Celebrations were held on Friday, July 17 which saw students lining the streets around the school waving flags and welcoming Mrs Burnside for her last day.

Speaking on behalf of the school community, a spokesperson said: “Over the past 13 years, headteacher Tracey Burnside has helped shape not only the school we see today, but the experiences, memories and futures of thousands of young people who have walked through our doors.

“She has led with determination, compassion and an unwavering belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through periods of change, challenge and celebration, she has remained committed to creating a school where kindness, ambition and community sit at the heart of everything we do.”

Mrs Burnside, who previously served as acting headteacher at Springwell Community College, has transformed Whittington Green School helping the secondary improve its Ofsted rating from ‘Requires Improvement’ to Good’ – an important milestone for the school and a lasting testament to her dedication and the high standards she has always championed.

Head Girl and Boy at the school said: “Mrs Burnside has really turned our school around for both the students and the staff, in a way no other Headteacher could have done.

“She is welcoming, kind and open and it reflects through the school’s growth and shown in Ofsted reports.

“We’re sad to see Mrs Burnside leave, however the work she has put into our school will not go unnoticed or forgotten.

“She is the light of our school.”

A spokesperson for the school added: “Staff, students, parents and governors have all benefited from her encouragement, guidance and vision. Many students will leave Whittington Green carrying memories of opportunities they were given because someone believed in them.

"While buildings evolve and cohorts move on, a Headteacher’s greatest legacy is the culture they leave behind. Her commitment to high standards, care for every individual and pride in our school will continue to be felt for many years to come.

"On behalf of the entire Whittington Green community, we would like to thank Mrs Burnside for 13 remarkable years of service.

"We wish her every happiness, good health and many exciting adventures in the next chapter.”

New headteacher Christopher Vallance will be joining the school in September.