Just before they broke up for summer holidays, I was invited to speak to students at BACA for the very last time as chair of governors. I then handed over to the new chair, James May.
It was so hard for me – and terribly sad – to hand over. For seven years I’ve been a small part of the team that included students, leaders, teachers and staff that put in unthinkable about of energy, imagination, and passion to the school. It’s now ‘Good’ in every Ofsted category and has world class sporting, music, vocational as well as academic opportunities. And believe me, the best is yet to come! I simply love the place.
I told students that no-one has more ambition for young people than young people themselves – we as a society have not come close to realising their insight and wisdom yet. But we will. I also got to tell students directly just how proud I am of all them. Students across our city achieve so much and I really hope they know how much our community appreciates their hard work.
Even though I’ve formally left BACA, students and staff there will have the fiercest of friends in me.
Please consider becoming a school governor, I promise it’s the most fascinating, rewarding, and educative experience you can have. All the best, Peter