EXCLUSIVE

The full extent of the misbehaviour at one of Medway's new
academies can be exclusively revealed today.

In the week the Bishop of Rochester Academy's head teacher left
his job after less than a year in the post, the Medway Messenger
has learned there were 400 pupil suspensions during the school's
first six months.

In one term, an average of eight pupils were being excluded
every day.

Christopher Sweetman has stepped down from his role as principal, six weeks after being suspended. He is reported to have received a £30,000 payout.

Records from the academy's board of governors meetings, obtained
under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal a total of 141 pupils
were temporarily excluded between September and December. There
were three permanent exclusions.

The number of temporary exclusions then rose to 254 pupils in
January and February.

The records show 738 incidents were logged at the school in just
one week and the majority of pupils causing problems were in Year
9.

The minutes show there were concerns staff were not following up
incidents, leaving problems unresolved, and this was being partly
blamed on the high number of supply staff.

The minutes also reveal the issue of student behaviour was
raised at a meeting in December last year, following a "severe"
level of parental complaints to Medway Council about behaviour and
discipline at the academy.

The Freedom of Information request was put forward by education
adviser Peter Read, after he was contacted by a number of parents
expressing concerns about behaviour and asking for advice on
changing schools.

A letter was sent to all parents on Tuesday, confirming Mr
Sweetman had stood down from his role as principal.

A source close to the school told the Medway Messenger Mr
Sweetman has been given three months pay as part of his walk-out
deal - estimated to be worth £30,000. The sponsors and
governors have begun their search for a new principal.

Mr Sweetman, who moved to Medway from Derby with his wife and
five children to work at the academy, intends to work with computer
companies researching how technology can be used in school
management.

In a statement, the academy's three sponsors - Rochester
Diocesan Board of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University
and Medway Council - said: "Christopher is very grateful for the
support he has received from sponsors, governors, staff and many
others in the local community.

"He has great hopes for the future of the Bishop of Rochester
Academy and will continue to pray for all concerned."

Dr Peter Clough, chairman of the board of governors, said: "The
sponsors and governors would like to express their gratitude to
Christopher for the work he has done in setting up the Academy and
wish Christopher and his family every success in the future."

The academy is under the leadership of interim executive
principal Andy Reese, head teacher at Greenacre School in
Walderslade.

Mr Reese was appointed at the end of April and he has already
introduced some changes.