Head of school previously embroiled in toxic workplace allegations, according to reports
The controversial head of St Peter's Cambridge, who was previously on extended leave, has resigned, according to the school last week.
Marcus Blackburn went on extended leave citing family circumstances in August and was due to return on Monday, 14 October, for the start of Term 4.
However, an announcement from St Peter's Cambridge last week revealed that Blackburn had already filed his resignation as head of the school.
"On behalf of the board, staff and students, we say a warm goodbye to Head of School, Marcus Blackburn," the school said in a Facebook post.
"As Head of School, Mr Blackburn was instrumental in leading several initiatives that will stand St Peter's in good stead as it continues to look ahead and prepare students for life, leadership, and their futures."
Accusations of toxic workplace
Blackburn's resignation comes amid allegations from some parents and former teachers of a toxic culture at the school.
Two recent staff previously told Radio New Zealand that they raised concerns about Blackburn and other senior staff over a raft of changes at the school and what they described as a "toxic" working environment, Stuff reported.
WorkSafe also confirmed in September that it had received one complaint of mistreatment of staff involving the school.
The workplace health and safety watchdog, however, did not specify who the complaint was about and said that the case was already closed.
"Following the workplace assessment, WorkSafe was satisfied that the school was aware of the issues and was offering appropriate support to the workers," the regulator said, as quoted by Stuff. "No enforcement action was taken, and the file was closed."
New school head announced
Blackburn will be replaced by Jason Speedy as the new head of school, according to the institution's Facebook page.
Speedy is set to begin in his new role at the start of Term 1 in 2025. He is currently Headmaster at Southwell School in Hamilton. Before Southwell, he served as Associate Principal at St Peter's Cambridge for 14 years.
"We look forward to introducing Jason to our school community prior to his starting date," the school said in a statement.
