Male teacher's bravery hailed as he undergoes sex change before returning to take classes as a woman
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
A male teacher has been praised for bravery after it emerged he will undergo a sex change operation before returning to take classes as a woman.
Pupils were called into a special assembly at King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford on Monday and told the male teacher would be returning as a woman after the summer holidays.
A letter was also sent home to parents explaining the procedure.
Pupils at the secondary school are said to have taken the news well, with one sixth former describing the unnamed teacher as "really popular".
The letter, from headteacher Tom Sherrington, said: "In making the transition (the teacher) will now be able to live the life that she has always known to be consistent with her true gender identity.
"I would like to acknowledge (the teacher's) courage in deciding to go through the transition process.
"I know that the school community will support her to ensure that she makes a great success of her ongoing career with us.
"Without doubt she will continue to be greatly loved and admired as the truly inspirational teacher that she is."
The letter goes on to ask that pupils and parents continue to treat the teacher with respect.
"Clearly, it is of great importance that (the teacher) is allowed to return to work without fear of prejudice, intolerance or harassment," it reads.
"As you would expect, we will not tolerate any harassment of any kind, be that within the school, outside its gates, through online forums and social media or on school trips."
Pupils have been provided with information to help them understand gender dysmorphia.
In a statement, the school said: "King Edward VI Grammar School is proud of its commitment to equality and diversity among its staff and students.
"We support them all, we treat them with respect and have due regard for their privacy and wellbeing at all times, regardless of their age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation."
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments