TRIBUTES have been paid to the headteacher of a Basingstoke secondary school who has announced he is leaving at the end of the academic year.

As reported yesterday, Randall Jull, head at The Costello School, told staff, parents, and pupils that he is leaving after four years leading the school in Crossborough Hill.

Read more: Basingstoke secondary school teachers announces "difficult decision" to leave

Mr Jull joined Costello in 2018 when it became part of Bohunt Education Trust (BET) to help improve standards.

During his time as head the school has gone from being graded as ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted to ‘good’.

Neil Strowger, leader of BET, said he was “delighted” to see Mr Jull’s “commitment, experience, and passion in action at Costello”, describing him as an “exceptional leader”.

He added: “I would like to thank and pay tribute to Randall for his indefatigable commitment to the local community.

"Randall is an exceptional leader, has led Costello to Ofsted good with outstanding features and has been instrumental in making exceptionally positive changes for his students. I wish him continued success for the future.”

Hilary Todd, Costello’s chair of governors thanked Mr Jull for his “unwavering commitment”.

She added: “We fully understand and support Mr Jull’s decision to move on from The Costello School and thank him for his unwavering commitment over the last three and a half years.

“He leaves The Costello School in a strong position and, following his departure, the governors will work with the supporting trust, staff, and school community to ensure that the school’s leadership builds on his achievements and continues to offer a high level of support and education for every child.”

Mr Jull said it had been a “pleasure and great privilege” to be the head of Costello.

He added: “My time at Costello has been exceptionally fulfilling and I would personally like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the entire school community for its support.

“The trust will shortly be starting a recruitment process to appoint the new headteacher for the start of the new academic year in September. Given the strength of the school and its excellent reputation, I am sure it will be an extraordinarily strong field.”

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