GOVERNORS at Tidemill School have hit back at suggestions the headteacher gets paid too much.

Earlier today we reported how Mark Elms, headteacher at the primary school in Frankham Street, Deptford, received £231,400 in one year.

A Lewisham Council report showed he was paid the figure in the 2009/10 financial year plus more than £45,000 in pension contributions.

But the school's governing body says he is worth every penny as the school was in special measures and at risk of closure when Mr Elms took over, but is now offering advice to other schools.

Chairman of governors Keith Geary said: “The headteacher’s contribution to Tidemill’s success cannot be underestimated.

"It is thanks to his skill and dedication that this school has made major strides in recent years, providing a quality education for local children and becoming a beacon for excellence in both Lewisham and throughout London.

“The calibre of our headteacher has been recognised at a national level and we are delighted that he is using his experience from Tidemill to help other London schools achieve the best for their pupils, through the government’s City Challenge programme.

"Tidemill has a very capable senior management team and the headteacher has been able to support City Challenge whilst fulfilling his duties as head of the school.

"He has done this predominantly by working additional hours during his evenings, weekends and holidays.

"We continue, as ever, to communicate and co-operate fully with the local education authority.

“Tidemill has also benefited from the headteacher’s role as a City Challenge leader in different ways.

"As well as an endorsement of the school’s excellent record, it has allowed other teachers to develop their own specialisms and skills and provided additional resources.”

The statement included a new breakdown of Mr Elms' earnings which differs from the one released by Lewisham Council this morning.

Earnings 2009/10

Basic salary - £82,714.37

Appointment and retention payment - £26,413.00

Out-of-hours work (2009/10) - £10,000.00

Arrears for regrading (2008/09) - £9,317.00

Employers’ Pension Contributions (09/10) - £16,700.70

Sub Total: £145,145.07

Additional payments

Work on the government’s City Challenge programme (2009/10) - £51,997.50

Backpayment for work on the government’s City Challenge programme (2008/09) - £50,957.50

Pension contributions on these City Challenge payments - nil

Total payment: £248,100.07