Ousedale School Headteacher announces retirement after 18 years

Posted 1st December 2020

Ousedale School Logo

Mrs Sue Carbert, Headteacher of Ousedale School has announced her plans to retire at the end of December 2020 after 18 years at Ousedale School, 10 of those as Headteacher

Mrs Carbert said this is one of the hardest decisions she has had to make in her time at the school, in her letter to parents and students she wrote: ‘I am very proud of the change in culture and increase in expectations embedded over the past 10 years. I was a very shy person at school, playing the piano each day for assembly and singing, but somehow and somewhere, I developed the confidence and desire to lead people. I have been a person on a mission, for now the school rightly has a strong reputation, both in Milton Keynes and nationally, and is considerably over subscribed.’

The Chair of Governors, Mr Dave Moulson said ‘During her time as Headteacher, Sue has lifted the school both in terms of its examination results and its reputation in the community and beyond. Sue has faced up to the numerous challenges thrown at the School during her time as Headteacher with determined and positive leadership, with the interests of pupils, at the heart of all of her decisions. She has continued to drive for excellence throughout the school and it is without question that she leaves the school in a better place than when she was appointed Head Teacher. Sue has given 18 years of commitment and dedication to Ousedale School, the last 10 of which have been as an outstanding Headteacher. We are now beginning the search for her successor who will need to provide excellent leadership for the challenges ahead whilst maintaining the strengths and values of the school.’

Mrs Carbert has a particular passion for music and has advocated its growth and development at Ousedale. This has been evident through much celebrated stage productions, including Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. Similarly, the performance of music groups such as the orchestra, ‘big band’, and choral groups have become highlights of the school year. Mrs Carbert has been equally enthusiastic in promoting architecture and art. She played a central role in the design and development of the Olney Campus and has also provided the vision and determination to see the development of an exceptional Sixth Form Centre, reception building, and outdoor performance space. 

Mrs Carbert has achieved copious successes throughout her career at Ousedale and was particularly proud of their Ofsted results, as well as numerous national awards for student progress and extracurricular activities. She got to know so many students over the years: teaching them, regularly meeting Ambassadors, a role she created in order to better represent both students and the school, and the Sixth Form Leadership Team. Head Boy Nathan Smith said, ‘During my time at Ousedale School, Mrs Carbert has been instrumental in developing the school’s facilities to ensure the school is best placed to provide an exceptional level of education for students. Whilst being an extremely focused and driven individual, Mrs Carbert has always been approachable and considerate to all students. Mrs Carbert has embedded a learning ethic into Ousedale that will live with the school and its pupils for many years to come’. 

Head Girl Danielle Balletta also added, ‘Aspire, Believe, Achieve – is the motto Mrs Carbert introduced to us when she became Headteacher at Ousedale and is the principle she has lived by in leading our school. She has poured her heart and soul into her time here as Headteacher, making our school the great place it is today. Her belief has shaped the character of the school and she will leave behind a legacy for all students to follow. In the time I have known Mrs Carbert, she has devoted much time and effort to my growth as an individual as I am sure she has done for many other students.’

Throughout her career, Mrs Carbert has become acquainted with many families. Suzanne Macmanus (parent) said, ‘Mrs Carbert has been the Headteacher in all the 10 years my children have been at Ousedale. She has the wonderful ability of always being available and is an active listener. She always gives her full attention and support to each of my children as needed. She has amazing vitality, energy and enthusiasm for anything and everything that will enhance the pupils’ experience of the school and education in general. She has always inspired my children to extend themselves and achieve their very best academically and in all aspects of their lives. She has a huge talent in getting her students to make the most of themselves. She will be sadly missed but I wish her a long and happy retirement – she thoroughly deserves it!’