THE group of former teachers who have called for an inquiry at Chepstow School have received a response from Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

As reported in last week's Beacon (Wednesday 17th June), thirteen senior members of staff who used to teach at Chepstow School have written to the council to set up an inquiry into the school's management.

The group has heard that MCC has arranged for a meeting with the chairman of governors for Chepstow School, possibly at the beginning of next week.

A spokesperson from the group has said: "We hope that the outcome of this meeting is an inquiry to investigate the management style of the two senior leaders at Chepstow School which we believe is having a negative effect on the school's progress.

"This would be in the best interest of the staff, parents and pupils and a transparent inquiry would see all facts brought out in the open in the correct forum and any conclusion would be supported by all.

"We again emphasise our total support for the pupils, parents and staff of Chepstow School.

"Until that meeting takes place our concerns will be channelled through Monmouthshire County Council.

"We all care passionately about Chepstow School and recognise the considerable commitment, time and effort that the chairman, Mr Bridgeman, and the governors have put into Chepstow School.

"I would like to thank my fellow colleagues who have had the 'intestinal fortitude' to put their names in the public domain in the interests of Chepstow School.

"I trust that we can all work together to bring this unfortunate issue to a satisfactory conclusion.

"We would like to thank the large number of supporters in the community who have shared our concerns online and by email."

The school's management and chairman last week pointed to the reforms that have been made, and the record GCSE exam results that were achieved last year, as positive changes.

Mr Bridgeman commented saying: "The first stages (of strategic changes) have been executed and results are showing tangible improvement in all aspects."