New headteacher appointed at troubled Montpelier High School

The new headteacher of Montpelier High School has pledged to lead it “on a journey of rapid and sustainable improvement” when she takes up her new position.

Vanetta Spence, known as Ben, is currently the principal of May Park Primary School in Eastville and was previously vice principal at Fairfield High School in Horfield.

The school formerly known as Colston’s Girls’ has been led by interim principal Brendan Hesketh since previous headteacher Kerry McCullough stepped down in December 2022.

In January, Ofsted inspectors said that Montpelier High School remains inadequate and has “serious weaknesses” six months after it was given a damning rating of ‘inadequate’.

Inspectors revisited in December 2022 and found that pupils continued to report safeguarding issues including not having a trusted adult to share concerns with, not disclosing worries about mental health and the prevalence of self-harm.

Artist Danny Jenkins created a mural to mark the school’s new name – photo: Venturers Trust

Spence first moved to Bristol to study at UWE and is currently working towards a second degree with the University of Bristol, where she is studying English literature and community engagement with a specific focus on the diversification of curriculum through literacy.

She is also an honorary associate researcher at the University of Bristol and a trustee of St Werburgh’s Community Centre.

“Montpelier High School has a long history in Bristol,” said Spence, who will become headteacher of MHS on June 1.

“However, it is the bright future of this school that I’m focused on. I am determined to lead MHS on a journey of rapid and sustainable improvement that will benefit all students, irrespective of their starting points.

“The school is a pillar of the community it serves and, alongside an engaging and relevant curriculum, we have a responsibility to broaden the horizons of students and support them in increasing their cultural capital.

“I will ensure that the school provides all the opportunities that education can offer, for every student at every level and, crucially, that the curriculum is enriched with additional activities that address the mental health of all our students.”

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Listen to Montpelier High School pupils and former headteacher Kerry McCullagh reflect on the school’s name change in the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast from September 2021:

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MHS is part of the Venturers Trust, which is responsible for eight schools, and is sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol.

Venturers Trust CEO David Watson said: “MHS has evolved significantly over the past few years and the school community has embraced every opportunity to change and improve.

“With the strategic appointment of Ben Spence, specifically the expertise, tenacity and vision that she will bring to this leadership role, MHS will grow from strength to strength.”

MHS chair of governors, Tracey Killen, added: “Everyone who has met Ben either through the interview process or around the school site, has a sense of excitement about the future.

“Ben’s drive and energy will inspire those around her to want to be the best version of themselves.

“She is a highly accomplished educationalist with a sharp vision; and she is ambitious for the future of our school.

“Critically, Ben shares our commitment to place the future of our students at the heart of everything we do.”

Montpelier High School is a non-selective girls’ school for 925 students, including its co-educational sixth form V6 – photo: Betty Woolerton

Main photo: Montpelier High School

Read next:

• Montpelier High School remains ‘inadequate’ with ‘serious weaknesses’
• Montpelier High School pupils reflect on school’s new name
• New gravestone and artwork celebrates 18th century female engineer

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: