CLARENDON Academy principal Mark Stenton will be handing over the day-to-day running of the school, after being asked to join the executive board of The Education Fellowship.

Mr Stenton has been promoted on to the board of the national education trust, which runs the school in Trowbridge, and while he will remain as principal, the day-to-day headteacher duties will be carried out by his deputy Yvonne Jorden.

The news comes just months after the fellowship had a Financial Notice to Improved lifted by the Education Funding Agency, which had found a series of “highly unusual” financial practices.

An investigation into the Northampton-based fellowship found two trustees had expenses of £45,000, cash had been used for a trip to New York and unadvertised jobs for family members.

Mr Stenton said: “I’m very proud to have been invited to join the Executive Board of the Fellowship to help drive leadership throughout the Trust, but I’m also delighted that I remain Principal of Clarendon.

“The Academy is at the heart of the Fellowship as we look to grow, with our local primary schools, a network of excellence in our area. We have promoted Yvonne Jorden, formerly Assistant Principal, to be Head of Academy from September.

“She will be the day-to-day headteacher under my leadership, ensuring that every aspect of The Education Fellowship’s Excellence Strategy is delivered in all areas of academy life.

“This development creates continuity and sustainability. I’m absolutely tied to Clarendon both through my continuing role here as Principal and through my part on the Executive of the Fellowship.  Be assured we are all on a journey to excellence with our Fellowship.”

The promotion follows Mr Stenton’s success turning around Clarendon Academy after being brought into the school when it was in special measures, with the last Ofsted inspection finding the school to be “good”.

However, Mr Stenton was close to losing his job after being suspended for having an affair with a married secretary at the school, within a year of his arrival back in 2011.

Mrs Jorden said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity and look forward to working alongside Mark Stenton to achieve our very high ambitions for Clarendon.

“The Fellowship and our Academy will grow together as exciting times lie ahead for all in our academy community.”

Johnson Kane, CEO of The Education Fellowship, said: “Mark Stenton has shown the ability and experience to effect rapid improvement in one of our leading academies. 

“His strong leadership skills, insight and drive mean he is the right person to join the board to lead on the development of our Excellence Strategy, mentoring and guiding all Principals and leaders across our trust. He will remain based at Clarendon Academy ably supported by Yvonne Jorden.”