High-profile founding headteacher of free school steps down

David Perks, the high-profile co-founder of a free school with close links to the libertarian publication Spiked, has stood down as its headteacher, parents were told today.

Perks has left the East London Science School, which he set up in 2012, having been on a “leave of absence” in recent months. The news was revealed in a letter to parents from Kevin Hinde, the school’s chair of governors.

Hinde’s letter said: “As you will be aware, Mr David Perks has been away from the school for some time and he has now made the decision to leave the school on a permanent basis.

“Mr Perks founded the East London Science School in 2012, opening its doors to its first cohort of pupils in September 2013. On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank Mr Perks for all of his efforts in establishing a school providing an ambitious, high-quality academic curriculum grounded in maths and science, to all pupils regardless of background or ability.

“Looking ahead, I am happy to say that Dr Mark Taylor will continue in his role as Interim Principal, supported by his senior leadership team.”