The “planned retirement” of the headteacher at Falmouth School has been announced just two days before the end of term.

In a letter seen by the Packet and sent to parents, The Roseland Multi-Academy Trust says that headteacher Mrs Brenda de Sousa is leaving Falmouth School at the end of the term as part of her “planned retirement”, only a year after she started at the school.

It says she has been very fortunate to work with some “wonderful” people some “brilliant” teachers and some “highly talented” students.

“None more so that at Falmouth School and Sixth Form,” it says. “She would like to thank all staff, students and community for their support during the time she has been in post and wishes everyone connected with the school the very best for the future.”

Falmouth Packet: Brenda de Sousa has taken 'planned retirement' two days before the end of term Brenda de Sousa has taken 'planned retirement' two days before the end of term (Image: CASH)

The trust says it wishes Mrs de Sousa "all the very best for her retirement” and introduces the new headteacher Mrs Lenka Chanter who has been supporting the school as Trust School Improvement Lead.

But the news of Mrs de Souza’s retirement has been greeted with shock by some parents, with one telling the Packet they were “gobsmacked” and “gutted” by the announcement.

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They said Mrs de Sousa had brought fresh thinking, creative empowerment and led by example “with personal commitment to consistency, diligence and hard work to the school and great values and behaviour."

The Roseland Multi-Academy Trust has been asked for a response.