'His job is one of loneliest in the world'

THE parent of a 12-year-old pupil at La Mare de Carteret High said being a head teacher was probably the loneliest job in the world.

John Halker was speaking in the wake of Ken Wheeler taking the decision to leave the job for health reasons.

'You've got all these different interests that should be the same interests to consider – for the children, parents, your employers – and you are the teachers' line manager as well. It's a difficult, unenviable position to be in.'

Mr Halker said he was optimistic that the school was going to meet the educational needs of his son, and it would help him reach his full potential.

A woman who did not want to be named said her son had just left La Mare and was lucky to find a job, but that was no thanks to the school.