Dear Mr Ford,

We are writing as concerned parents in response to the decision to make Marie Hobbs redundant from her role as chaplain and pastoral support at the school.

As we understand it, Marie has carried out this role without salary, receiving accommodation in lieu of pay. With that in mind, the explanation circulating among pupils—that this decision is financially motivated—is difficult to accept. The role clearly represents only a minimal cost to the school, especially given the immense value Marie has contributed through her daily presence, pastoral care, and spiritual support.

In seeking clarity, we came across a previous job advertisement for the chaplaincy position, which confirms that the post is provided with accommodation but no salary:

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In that context, the justification being circulated makes little financial sense and raises legitimate concerns about whether the true rationale is being clearly communicated.

This decision also appears at odds with the values so strongly reaffirmed during the recent Founder’s Day celebration. Your own remarks focused on compassion, care, and community—principles which Marie has embodied quietly, consistently, and wholeheartedly. To remove a figure who so clearly represents these values—particularly without open explanation—risks doing real damage to the culture of trust that underpins the school.

Marie’s presence has had a deeply positive impact on many pupils and families. She has been a source of comfort, perspective, and emotional support for students during some of their most difficult moments. It is precisely this kind of care that makes a school more than just a place of learning, and it is this kind of role that should be protected, not removed.

We chose this school because of its pastoral ethos, and we believe many others did too. To erode that in a way that feels abrupt, opaque, and contrary to the school’s own values would be deeply regrettable.

With the Headmaster’s departure, we recognise that this is a time of transition in leadership. In light of that, we respectfully request that this letter be shared with all members of the Board of Governors. At the very least, the community deserves transparency about the basis for this decision and assurance that the pastoral care so central to the school’s identity will not be quietly diminished.

Yours sincerely,

The Parents of Rendcomb College