STAFF and pupils have said a fond farewell to their retiring head teacher who led the transformation of an Oldbury special school over 10 years.

The Meadows Sports College was a failing school when Gordon Phillips took over, but at its last Ofsted was judged “good” with outstanding behaviour, safety and communication.

Mr Phillips was hoping the school would be recognised with an overall “outstanding” judgement this academic year but the expected Ofsted inspection failed to materialise.

In his retiring speech, he said: “I appreciate so much, the incredible support and loyalty I have received over my 10 years. I feel so privileged to have led this truly magnificent school.”

He added: “This is a school to be exceptionally proud of and don’t let Ofsted out of the building until they recognise we are outstanding.”

His deputy principal George Smith, described as “one of the key driving forces in the school”, has also left, moving onto his first headship.

Jo Cliffe will take over as principal at The Meadows in September, moving back to the region where she was a deputy head before taking up her first headship at a special school in Kent a year ago.