Bishop’s Stortford College families have been warned it could take up to 18 months to recruit a new leader following the shock departure of head John Maguire.

The chair of governors, Guy Baker, has written to parents today (Friday, August 14) to address some of their concerns and set out the next steps.

Parents were told in an email on Tuesday, July 28 – three-and-a-half weeks after the start of the College’s summer holidays – that well-liked Mr Maguire would not be at the helm when students return in September.

The Indie understands that by yesterday, more than 500 families had signed a letter of protest, calling on the governors to provide clarity, and there has been an angry response to the latest missive. A poll is now circulating, asking if people have confidence in the governing board.

Mr Maguire’s departure was said to be by mutual agreement, but parents wanted more answers about the process.

The Indie has seen Mr Baker’s latest email in which he repeats the need for confidentiality.

He said: “I want…to address the questions that many of you have naturally had. Some of you have asked for more information about the underlying reasons for his departure. I appreciate that many parents would like further information, but our clear duties of confidentiality in employment situations mean I am unable to go beyond what I have previously said.

“This was a mutually agreed decision, and John is now looking forward to pursuing further opportunities both in the UK and internationally, and we wish him well.”

He added: “We have received a number of other questions about process, the role of governors, and what advice was taken by the board. I understand why parents are seeking greater clarity here too. However, without being able to discuss confidential matters relating to an individual employee, there remain limits on what I am able to say.

“I can, however, assure you that the college’s governance arrangements are stringent, designed with the sole aim of ensuring the best outcomes for the school, and were followed appropriately throughout.”

He told parents that the college’s 14 governors acted unanimously. He warned: “These are times of considerable change and opportunity for the independent sector, and it is important that a recruitment process to appoint a new permanent head is not rushed and attracts the highest calibre of candidates.

“This process is likely to take between 12 and 18 months since the successful candidate will most likely have a significant notice period.”

Parents were told the board was committed to “making the right appointment, rather than the quickest one”.

Mr Maguire was the 11th principal at the Maze Green Road institution. When he was appointed in December 2023 to succeed Kathy Crewe-Read in September 2024, he made it clear he expected to spend at least a decade in charge.

His predecessor, Ms Crewe-Read, had left after just four years. She succeeded Jeremy Gladwin. At the time, he was the shortest-serving head in the college’s history, with nine years in charge from 2011.

Mr Baker said the college - with 1,200 pupils, 300 staff and a £30 million turnover - would operate under a “revised leadership structure” from September.

Jo Ogden, the chief finance and operations officer, will act as interim chief executive. She has worked in the independent school sector for a decade and served for 22 years in the Royal Air Force, holding senior leadership roles in the UK and overseas.

She will take responsibility for the college’s organisational, operational and financial leadership, allowing the heads of the pre-prep, prep and senior schools to focus on educational leadership. Dr Peter O’Connor, the current senior school deputy head, will serve as acting head until an interim head is recruited ahead of a permanent appointment.

.Mr Baker said: “Over the coming months, the governors will consider the college’s longer-term leadership and governance arrangements, including the structure that will best support the college’s future development, before commencing a permanent recruitment process.”