This is clearly a challenging time for everyone associated with John Hunt of Everest Community School in Basingstoke.

The recent announcement of the decision by well-respected and popular headteacher Lesley Phillipson to take early retirement has this week been followed by the news that the school’s governing body has been disbanded and is being replaced with a new Interim Executive Body. A new head and deputy head are also starting this week week.

The good news is the school’s executive headteacher Jeffrey Threlfall has clear aims and objectives for the future, and everyone who wants the best for the children at John Hunt – and what will be the new Everest Community College – will hope this drive for progress on many fronts is successful.

What must not be forgotten, though, is the progress and achievements of the last few years.

It is a fact that many, many children have been helped to realise their potential in the time that Mrs Phillipson has been head of the school. The school has also achieved a much more positive profile by being involved in various initiatives.

Last Thursday, the annual prizegiving event celebrated the hard work of the latest crop of GCSE students, and these pupils and their parents should be proud of every individual success.

As for Mrs Phillipson, The Gazette wishes her well for the future. She is a head who has shown great care and commitment towards all aspects of her school – the pupils, parents, governors and her staff – and, as Mr Threlfall acknowledges, she will be missed.