Boss of multi-academy trust resigns amid cash crisis

The head of an academy trust that runs 15 schools has stepped down with immediate effect amid serious concerns over its finances.

Synergy Multi-Academy Trust, which has schools across Norfolk, had previously announced plans to cut teaching and support staff to offset its £2.7m deficit.

In a recent letter, seen by the BBC, the group's chair of trustees said its former CEO, Louise Lee, had "taken the decision to step down" after "taking some time away".

The trust said it would not comment further.

"Today I write to inform you that Louise has now taken the decision to step down as CEO," Dr Natasha Hutcheson wrote in her letter.

She added: "The trust has accepted her resignation with immediate effect.

"The interim leadership structure put in place by the Board of Trustees will continue as before, with Alastair Ogle as interim CEO and accounting officer and Richard Lord as interim deputy CEO."

In December, Synergy told parents it was facing "a significant number of financial challenges".

It said it planned to launch a comprehensive review to fill its deficit and construct a three-year phased programme aimed to ensure financial stability.

For comparison, last year the trust spent £34.3m on education.

The trust's plans included cuts to teaching and support staff, while reducing school curricula.

Initial redundancy plans detailed 30 losses across three schools - Reepham High School, Litcham School and Sheringham High School – which all finished the last financial year in deficit.

The trust said "difficult and sensitive" decisions were necessary because of increased costs and reduced funding due to falling birth rates.

The number of confirmed redundancies remained unknown.

In December, more than 100 parents and pupils protested against the changes outside Reepham High School to show support for teachers.

A month later, 39 parents signed a letter calling for Ms Lee to resign.

In a statement at the time, the trust said it had "every confidence" in Ms Lee and the senior team to deliver its plans.

The trust also claimed changes were needed so that school structures, pay awards, education provision and pastoral care reflected sector best practice.

It said it hoped to become financially stable in the long-term and would achieve this while maintaining a duty of care to staff and minimising disruption to pupils.

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