BGS Chairman of Governors resigns

Chairman of the Boston Grammar School Governors, Stephen Woodliffe has resigned. Stephen Woodliffe is a former teacher at BGS and a current Boston councillor.

Paul Marsh resigns as BGS Principal

Boston Grammar School Principal Paul Marsh has announced he is to leave the school.

In a statement issued  to The Boston Standard on 29 January 2014, Paul said: “It has been a difficult decision to move on to other things after investing over 10 years in Boston Grammar School. However, I hope that my tenure as head and principal will be remembered for the improvements made since taking over in 2010.

“The school was last year deemed ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding features by Ofsted, student numbers have increased and the academy conversion has brought it autonomy over its own affairs.

“The most obviously ‘outstanding’ feature of Boston Grammar School is the student body, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with some wonderful young people in my time at the school.”

He added: “I would also like to thank parents – and the Boston community in general – for the support and co-operation I have received in my time at the school. I wish everyone the very best for a bright future.”

The Standard earlier spoke to the school’s chair of governors Stephen Woodliffe who said "It is natural for a head teacher to have a career progression like everybody else, and he is entitled to do this."

"Parents needn’t be concerned", he added. "We wish Paul well in his new career."

BGS Prize Giving - report

The Boston Grammar School Prize Giving 2013 took place on 20 December at the Centenary Methodist Church, Boston. The guest of honour was Charles Hart, the father of Manchester City and England goalkeeper, Joe Hart.

Music for singing and for musical interludes was provided by the Boston Grammar School Jazz Band and other musicians from the school.

Paul Marsh, the principle of the school spoke of the school's excellent academic and sporting achievements throughout the year, particularly noting that as a small school, BGS "punches above its weight" in sporting competitions.

In his address as Chairman of the Governors, Cllr Stephen Woodliffe, told of his original involvement with the school as a mathematics teacher for 18 years, how having left to teach elsewhere, retired and become a Boston councillor, he became involved again with the school as a governor, and eventually became Chairman of the Governors earlier this year, just before the Ofsted inspection which showed that the school had improved significantly since the previous inspection in 2010. He noted that the recent flood was probably the biggest challenge for the school in the last 50 years but showed hope that it would recover well.

The prizes notably included the new Trevor Page Sports Prize, donated by Trevor Page (BGS 1949-55) - two of his father's sporting trophies, originally won in the 1920s or 30s. The junior prize was won by Jack Henton and the Intermediate prize by Stuart Wharff.

Following presentation of the prizes, Charles Hart spoke of how his son, Joe, achieved his goal with support from his family and by putting in the extra effort which allowed him to rise to the top in his chosen field, football. Charles invited those present to do likewise, for each to put in the extra effort to achieve to their potential: in sport, engineering, politics, or whatever their chosen goal.

Head of School, Ellis Potter, gave the vote of thanks to Charles Hart as the guest of honour and presented him with mementos of the day including a prefect's tie and badge.

The event was closed with the usual singing of the school song and the national anthem.

OBA Annual Dinner 2013 - Report

Can you spot Robin Borrett (BGS Staff 1962-94) making
his first appearance at the dinner in several years?

After the sudden death of Paul Mould only two months before the annual dinner, which he had organised for each of the last few years, the OBA President, Peter Sharman, gamely took over the reins, and suggested it should be a tribute to Paul. Understandably, with the late change of responsibility, numbers were down this year (45) but the atmosphere on 20 April was as good as ever and Nick Fitton was certainly among the best speakers we've had when I've been present.