GLOWING tributes have been paid to the former head teacher of Rugby High School (RHS) following her retirement from the role after 13 years.
Having stepped down at the turn of the school year, Charlotte Marten was praised in a statement released by RHS for her dedication to the school, students, parents, staff and the wider school community since her appointment in 2006.
The statement read: “In addition to her myriad of everyday duties, she was actively involved in planning and participating in a range of activities which took place both during school term and in the holidays, such as World Challenge, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and other trips, both at home and abroad.
“She was always prepared to “muck in”, whether it be pitching a tent or dressing up as a literary character for World Book Day.”
The school added Charlotte would never ask anyone to do anything she was not prepared to do herself.
“She strove to ensure Rugby High delivered first-class education in a safe, friendly, caring, nurturing environment.
“She was passionate about women’s education and ensuring that the students in her care had the best possible start in life.
“Moreover, she cared about inequality in its widest sense and it was very much a result of her initiative that Rugby High School led the way within the grammar school sector in reserving a percentage of its places, at a lower entry score, for young people on free school meals.
“Many other grammar schools have since followed her example.”
The new head teacher, former deputy head Mark Grady, has worked with Charlotte since 2008 and described her as ‘the boss that everyone would hope for, but few of us have been lucky enough to experience’.
He said: “We know Charlotte will carry on making a difference whatever she decides to do next.
“On behalf of the school, we want to thank her for her immense contribution to the school, for her tireless support of staff, students, colleagues and parents, for the ethos of Rugby High that has thrived under her leadership, and the amazing legacy Charlotte is leaving to the students of Rugby as she moves on.”
Chair of Governors Peter Reaney added: “Charlotte was the epitome of hard work, dedication, honesty, fairness and integrity.
“It has been my pleasure and honour to work with her for the past 13 years.”
