A controversial headteacher known for his strict rules on behaviour is to leave his academy trust.

The Inspiration Trust has sent a letter to parents, stating that principal Barry Smith is to leave Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, in Norfolk, and that it is recruiting a replacement.

It is understood that Mr Smith is also leaving the Inspiration Trust, the academy chain founded by schools minister Lord Agnew.

Profile: Welcome to the most controversial school in Britain…

Great Yarmouth Charter Academy was previously known as Great Yarmouth High School until it was put into special measures in May 2016 and taken over by the Inspiration Trust in September 2017.

Today’s letter to parents (see below) states: “During his time at Charter, the academy received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, who noted that leaders had ‘established a culture where pupils feel that they can succeed, and staff believe that they can make a difference’.”

In the time that Barry Smith has led the Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, he has generated a blitz of controversy. 

Mr Smith became well known in education circles for favouring a strict behaviour policy, famously issuing a diktat banning so-called “meet me at McDonald’s” haircuts.