FORMER teachers of Chepstow School have called on Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) to carry out an independent inquiry into the management of the school.

13 former members of staff, including those from senior management posts such as deputy head teacher, assistant head teacher, heads of year and heads of departments, have signed a letter to MCC leader Councillor Peter Fox, which urges him to set up an inquiry into the school after reports of human resource issues.

The letter has come about because of increasing concerns at recent negative publicity about the management of the school.

Early on, it is made clear in the letter that the group acknowledges that "Chepstow School has a large number of hard working pupils, supportive parents and a dedicated, committed teaching staff.

It goes on to say: "We also acknowledge that the

governing body has acted with integrity on information received but, in the light of a recent human resource issue, we question the accuracy and content of that information.

"We urge the county council to set up an independent, objective enquiry into the senior leadership of Chepstow School."

The letter asks for a number of answers to questions such as: "Is the senior leadership style at Chepstow School heavy handed and bullying in nature?"; "Why is it that so many senior experienced staff have left Chepstow School since January 2012?" and "Is there a behaviour management policy at Chepstow School?" – this last query made because of reports that pupils have been seen smoking outside the leisure centre.

The letter finally states: "We believe we are not alone in expressing our concerns about the management of Chepstow School.

"We urge you to carry out an independent enquiry, especially as long serving, loyal employees seem to be paying the price of questionable management practices which contravene any reasonable duty of care or dignity at work policies."

Claire Price, headteacher at Chepstow School, has responded saying: "Chepstow School is a happy, vibrant place to be.

"In 2014 we achieved the school's best ever results at GCSE when over 70 per cent of our Year 11 students achieved at least five good GCSEs, including English and maths.

"This is a 19 per cent increase over the past four years. We are expecting even better results this year. Student numbers are increasing rapidly, and students, staff and parents enjoy being part of the successful Chepstow School community."

Craig Bridgeman, chair of governors at Chepstow School said: "The Governing body realised a few years back that the school was static and had far too many historic issues and challenges preventing progress."

"A new head was appointed to deliver a radical strategic change programme supported by the local authority and governing body.

"The key objective being to increase the efficiency of the school and drive the change to excellence.

"The first stages have been executed and results are showing tangible improvement in all aspects.

"The school is now enacting phase two of the programme that will deliver further improvements and benefits to our young learners."

An MCC spokesperson has said: "We can confirm a letter has been received by the leader of the council from a range of former members of staff at Chepstow Comprehensive expressing their concerns regarding current management procedures.

"This is being looked into and will be responded to fully and formally in the near future."

The group behind the calls is encouraging the public to add their weight to the campaign. For more information, or to express any concerns to the relevant councillors, email [email protected]">[email protected]