JOHN Kyrle’s trustees work closely with headteacher, Nigel Griffiths, his senior team and staff.

Trustees set the strategy for the school, monitor performance and ensure the budget remains healthy. Mr Griffiths’ view is that his work with trustees is amongst the most important aspects of his job.

Denise Strutt has been elected as chair of trustees. Mrs Strutt worked closely with Mr Griffiths for many years when she was headteacher of Whitecross High School in Hereford. Mr Griffiths said he was delighted with Denise’s appointment as chairman, as it was he who suggested she became a trustee several years ago. He said some change in trustee leadership was required as it was important for him and his staff to listen to different opinions about the future direction of the school.

Mrs Strutt and Mr Griffiths will be supported in their roles by four new governors.

Tim Murray and Andrew Middlecote are parents of pupils at John Kyrle.

Nick Dale has worked closely with the school for many years as a member of the Ross Lions.

Brent Vinall is a former deputy headteacher at John Kyrle, and a parent of two children who had been educated at the school. His wife Sue was head of history for many years. Nigel Griffiths said he was delighted that Brent had taken up his invitation to stand for appointment to the board as his knowledge of, and huge support for, the school would help drive future developments.

The new trustees join existing members of the board who include parents, teacher and support-staff representatives, as well as those appointed from the community. The longest serving trustees are Diane Hudson and Neil Pascoe. They have given fantastic service to the school for over 30 and 20 years respectively.

A former secretary of state for education once described some governors as being merely ‘coffee pourers and cake slicers’.

Nigel Griffiths said that description most certainly didn’t apply at JKHS!