May I take this opportunity on behalf of the Shadow Board to thank you for all the hard work that you have made towards the proposed merger. Your knowledge and expertise has played a major role in setting the foundation for what I know will be a successful outcome for the borough and its learners.

This was a complex and sensitive scenario, and with emotions running high, the ability to stabilize the position and secure stakeholder support while assessing the options was vital.  Having clearer visibility of the challenges faced, and being realistic about viable options, enabled a finely balanced situation to be carefully managed, with full stakeholder engagement throughout.