The Wiltshire Times has blasted a local headteacher’s criticism of newly recruited reporter Jenny Haworth as “cowardly”.

James Colquhoun, headteacher of St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon, had told Jenny in an interview that his school was a good school which had “lost its way a bit” and people were in a “comfort zone”.

After the interview was published Mr Colquhoun told the Times that he “may have” said something to that effect but believed his comments would not be printed.

He also agreed that Jenny took shorthand notes during the interview.

The head teacher then sent a memo to his staff in which he denied making the comments.

It said: “Many of you will have read the Wiltshire Times and taken offence at the supposed quote from myself about complacency, long-serving staff and the comfort zone.

“There is some very serious doubt, on my part, that such things were said.

“I was, in fact, talking generally about the school and the town to a brand new reporter who had only started her journalism career some 10 days earlier. She had been called in so that a professional relationship could be shaped and some spin could be given to the novelty of our sponsored walk involving over 800 people.”

Wiltshire Times editor Toby Granville (pictured right) responded in the paper saying: “Our reporters are all professional journalists who have undergone intense training and passed recognised industry qualifications.

“They work hard to build up good relations with people in the communities they work in.

“It is unfortunate in this case Mr Colquhoun has chosen to attack the reputation of one our reporters and tried to discredit her in a cowardly fashion, rather than stand by comments he made and she recorded in good faith.

“The fact that Jenny only joined the staff recently is irrelevant. She has written for a number of leading newspapers and Mr Colquhoun’s comments are not only a slight on her ability but on the reputation of this newspaper.”

The head’s memo had continued: “I believe, amongst other things, I said something like ‘there is always potential for complacency in a school like St Laurence’ and ‘when there are long-serving staff and bright young people, there is always the possibility of a comfort zone’.

“I’m sorry everyone. I should have done better especially when who knows what the shorthand was with such a novice to her profession. I must choose my words more carefully, speak more slowly and now remind you of the many positive things I’ve said and written about you since January.”

Reporter Jenny, (28), is an Oxford graduate who gained a diploma in journalism from the Cardiff School of Journalism.

She has previously had articles printed in The Times, The Scotsman and the Western Mail and is now Bradford on Avon reporter for the Wiltshire Times.

Wiltshire Times deputy editor Keith Gale told HoldtheFrontPage the paper has received no further comment from Mr Colquhoun, the school or its governors.

He said: “In the absence of any reply from him we assume he is standing by what he originally said. Of course, the school has broken up now but we will be interested to see the response when school starts up again.

“We have however, received and published letters on the subject, both in support of Jenny and in support of the headteacher.

“We’ve had our say and we’re letting it settle.”

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