DAME Jean took over the running of Whalley Range High School for Girls nine years ago when there were only 766 pupils on the register, with 23 in the sixth form.
At that time, only 16 per cent passed five or more A*-C grade GCSEs and truancy rates were so high that one in four regularly failed to turn up for lessons.
Now the school has almost 2,000 pupils, a thriving sixth form and in 2003 - the latest figures published by the government - 46 per cent of youngsters achieved five or more high grade GCSEs.
Ten years ago the school had the highest truancy rate in the country, with an average attendance of 74 per cent.
But within a year the figure had risen to 95 per cent.
Dame Jean had introduced security cameras, better discipline, a new uniform and extra-curricular activities.
She was delighted to see the government adopt plans to axe benefits for the parents of truants - an idea she had pioneered. Two years ago she was named one of three outstanding achievers by the Duke of Westminster.
She was one of the Winning Women of 2002 in recognition of her enthusiastic and entrepreneurial approach to her work at Whalley Range High.
Dame Jean, who gave the school the motto The Home of Excellence, had a determination which inspired staff and pupils, it was said.
She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the Queen's New Year Honours in 2001 for her commitment and services to education.
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I think Jean Else has done a marvellous job at Whalley Range. It is people like her that get things done and she should not be subjected to a witch hunt because of a few malcontents. So what if she may have transgressed a few rules set out by bureaucrats and bean counters - if we are to improve education we need her to show them what to do !!
Another good head bites the dust.
I cannot understand how or indeed why heads in this country are publically shamed before their guilt has been properly (legally) established. This is so damaging not only for the individuals involved but for the well-being of the school, the pupils, the parents and the community.
Surely it is not beyond our wit to deal with heads in a less punitif and public way.
I feel very sad for Jean Else who has worked so hard to turn her school around.
I will send her my book 'Tilting at Windmills' a tale of corporate bullying detailing the suspension of delegated powers from a governing body by a local LEA and the 'public' suspension of a good and hard working headteacher. To view the story go to www.berwickpress.com
As a member of staff I hope we never see her again and our new head will be one that has a permanent presence in the corridors and speaks to the pupils face to face and not just on a tv screen....