From The Head - Friday 13th September 2024

The Ryleys School has a rich history and has been operating since 1877. As many of you will know, it was originally established as a school for boys for the local farming community and was privately owned for many years by a Mr Woodhouse. When he decided to retire and wanted to sell the school, a group of parents stepped in to fund it and keep it operational.

Ever since then, the school has run as a charitable trust and is non-profit making, meaning that any surplus generated is ploughed back into the school solely for the benefit of the pupils.

Schools which are a charitable trust require a Board of Trustees to run and oversee them, which is what our Governing Board does. They ensure that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined; that the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school and the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources.

It is a unique role because the governors are not paid for the role they fulfil and give their time and services purely for the good of the school. You may not see them, but they work very hard behind the scenes!

The school is fortunate to already have a number of very knowledgeable, committed and creative individuals on the Board and I am delighted to welcome some new members who will add to that expertise.

Joining us is Mrs Fiona I'Anson, who is a former parent and currently holds the role of Resource Director and Deputy CEO at Camphill Village Trust; she was previously the Finance Director at Latymer School in London. Mr Martin Knight is also a former parent and is the Business and Innovation Director at SCL Professional. Finally, Mr Tom Bennett, who is currently the Academic Deputy Head at Withington Girls School and previously worked at Sedbergh School.

All our Governors hold very impressive résumés and qualifications. They are pivotal in delivering The Ryleys School vision to ensure that we remain a cut above the rest and deliver an exceptional experience to our pupils and parents. Thank you to all our Governors for everything they do.

Enjoy our Welcome Back BBQ today and have a wonderful weekend.

Julia Langford.
Headteacher