A HEADTEACHER who helped lead a Darlington school through special measures has been appointed to a failing Surrey school.

David Henderson, who retired as headteacher of Hummersknott Comprehensive School, in Darlington, was appointed executive director of Eastbourne School for two terms this year to help pull it out of special measures.

At the time, Eastbourne had received a damning report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), which highlighted the school's worst failings.

Mr Henderson helped install a method of assertive discipline at Eastbourne, with the help of acting headteacher Karen Pemberton.

The principles of the system are simple. Disobedience and disruptive behaviour are not tolerated. Pupils who continually misbehave get a series of punishments, before exclusion. Youngsters who perform well are rewarded.

Teachers also received extra training to build their confidence in the classroom.

Mrs Pemberton now hopes Eastbourne will rid itself of the "failing school" tag by the end of the next academic year.

After his success at Eastbourne, Mr Henderson's name was placed with a consultation company, Education London, and he was selected for the Surrey job.

Last week, Mr Henderson travelled south to meet pupils and parents.

He is hoping to use similar methods to those employed at Eastbourne, with the emphasis on discipline.

It usually takes about two years for a school to come out of special measures, if it can show markedly improved examination results.