Over 600 pupils, parents and guests attended the recent ‘Open Evening’ at John Kyrle. They visited all subject areas, meeting students and staff throughout. Everyone experienced the unique flavour of what the school offers. There were hands-on experiments and activities in the science and language labs, the library and English department, the Maths Centre of Excellence, art block, sports hall, and music and drama studios.

Two very well-attended ‘Open Mornings’ had taken place earlier in October, and Year 6 pupils from all partner primary schools had spent a full morning at the school as part of preparation for secondary-school life.

Mr Griffiths, Headteacher, welcomed everybody, including former MP, Colin Sheppard, Cllr and Mrs Grey, members of Ross Rotary and Lions and former member of staff, Mrs Poppie Jones. Mrs Jones, up to her retirement last year, had worked at the school for 41 years.

He also welcomed those new to John Kyrle and said he was delighted to see so many people in attendance, including members of local community groups associated with the school, trustees, former trustees and former staff.

Mr Griffiths said this was an exciting time to be moving from primary school. He said that continuing changes to secondary education were complex but the community could be reassured that John Kyrle High School had a strong track record of adapting to new requirements and being at the forefront of developments.

Visitors were reminded that Ofsted, continually grades the school as Good and Outstanding in all aspects of provision. Mr Griffiths said that as a resident of the town himself, he wants the school to continue to be at the centre of the community it serves.

Mrs Trixie Clarke, Assistant Head, and Mrs Knapper, who will be Head of Year 7 next year, spoke to visitors. They highlighted the care and individual attention students receive on their transition to John Kyrle including during the all-important first two years as part of Lower School.

In addition to hearing from the staff, a number of students also shared their experiences of John Kyrle. Fiona Weller, Ben Hamer, Charlotte Griffin and Jack Watts drew upon different experiences and primary-school backgrounds to illustrate how much they enjoyed life as Year 7 students. Head Boy and Head Girl, Jackson Sharp and Jemma Clarke, both headed for Russell Group Universities, reflected on their time at the school. They noted how much they had enjoyed school and the many ways in which it had improved over this time.

Mr Griffiths concluded that he has never been more excited about the future of John Kyrle, nor has he ever enjoyed his role so much. He is, however, well known for his relentless ambition for the school, and hopes that those who share his clear views on the importance of care, standards and performance will want to play a role in the next exciting stage of the school’s journey.