Culford School near Bury St Edmunds announces Claire Bentley as permanent head with immediate effect

A new headmistress for a Suffolk school has been announced following the dismissal of the previous headmaster earlier this year.

In a letter to parents and guardians today, it was announced that Mrs Claire Bentley will be the new permanent headteacher of Culford School, in Culford, near Bury St Edmunds, with immediate effect.

Mrs Bentley had been acting head from January, having previously been head of prep and pre-prep.

The former headmaster, Julian Johnson-Munday, had been sacked from his role for ‘gross misconduct and breach of trust’ following an independent investigation in July.

The letter, written by Mark Donougher, chair of governors, said the recruitment process had been run by the Board of Governors, alongside the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST).

There had been 40 applicants, but the board were unanimous in their decision that Claire was the ‘exceptional candidate.’

The letter added: “Her vision, energy, values and unwavering commitment were evident throughout, making her the ideal leader to take Culford School into its next chapter.”

It also said this is an historic moment for the school as it is the first time in its 142-year history that a female head has been appointed.

The school will now begin a recruitment process to fill the permanent head of prep school role.