Culford School parents call for answers on leadership as headteacher remains absent

Parents have voiced concerns at the lack of communication on the future leadership of a Suffolk independent school as its headmaster still remains absent.

SuffolkNews reported in May that parents of pupils at Culford School, in Culford, near Bury St Edmunds, were written to in January to inform them that Julian Johnson-Munday would be away from his role for a short period for personal reasons.

But now, six months on, some parents want to know the school’s long-term plans as they say no real update has been given to them.

One parent who got in touch and who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “We are paying customers and should be told where the school is going in terms of leadership.

“I have tried to find this out myself from them but they remain to keep quiet on the situation, surely we have a right to know?”

It is believed Claire Bentley, head of prep and pre-prep, is deputising for Mr Johnson-Munday in his absence, supported by the deputy head, Dr John Guntrip, and the rest of the senior leadership team.

When asked for an update on the situation, a school spokesperson said: “The headmaster remains away from his role for personal reasons and we are unable to provide any further information at this time.”