Staff Leavers: “Thank you and Good-bye...”

Abby Stubbs

Ady Jeffery

Alex Swinden

Alison Reed

Anastasia Plexida

Andy Milne

Anne Connolly

Anoushka Millbanks

Carissa Foster

Casey Logue

Catherine Moore

Chloe Burgess

Chloe Ditchburn

Claudia Ayress

Colin Lupton

Cynthia Carson

David Kereszteny-Lewis

Eileen Longworth

Emma Downes

Gareth Rafferty

Hannah Wickham

Hayley Johnson

Hayley Woodward

Hazel Pollard

Helen Chapman

Howard Kelly

Isabell Nichols

Jackie Loftus

Jackie Piotrowski

Jannette Bloor

Jasper Ure

Joanne Jackson

John Handford

Katrina Pritchard

Leo Soukovelos

Lisa Batters

Lisa Highett

Mark Pearson

Matthew Bate

Matthew Nevitt

Melanie Johnson

Nannete Lyons

Olivia Haslam

Phil Hanson

Rachael Van Embden

Rick Bithell

Robbie Robson

Sam Oakley

Samantha Pugh

Sarah Neild

Stephanie Greer

Steve Watkiss

Steven Williams

Syd Roberts

Thomas Hughes

Tommy Spurr

William Bowden

Deputy Head (Academic) - JS

Maintenance Officer - JS

Midday Childcare Assistant

Childcare Assistant

Sundowner & Catering Assistant

Director of Science

As and When Supply

Hockey Coach

Morning Cleaner

Teacher of English

Teacher of Food & Nutrition

Cleaner

Teacher of English

Spanish Language Assistant

Head of Estates

Supply

Director of Visual Arts

Finance Assistant

Catering Assistant

Academy Coach

Strength & Conditioning Coach

EarlyBird & Sundowners Manager

Midday Childcare Assistant

Cleaner

Speech & Drama Teacher

Teacher of English

Proof Reader

Senior Administrator

Cleaner

Pupil Support Assistant

Graphics Apprentice

Lunchtime Supervisor

Facilities Manager

Catering Supervisor

Sundowner

Catering Assistant

JS TLA

Head of Geography

Sundowner

Teacher of English

Catering Assistant

JS Speech & Drama

Teacher of PE

Teacher of History

EarlyBird Assistant

Invigilator

Head of History

Sundowner & Catering Assistant

Catering Assistant

Afternoon Cleaner

JS Teacher of Speech & Drama

Peri - (for info only)

Head of Music

Teacher of Hockey

Leisure Assistant

Lead Academy Football Coach

Teacher of Spanish

Andy Milne - Director of Science

By Mr Taylor and Mr Kenyon

Andy Milne or Milney to his colleagues has been the Head of Science at The Grange School since the turn of this century. A larger-than-life character who was popular amongst students as well as most staff. When Andy joined The Grange School in September 2001 he was lauded as a pedagogical risktaker who revolutionised the teaching of Biology at The Grange school. A rather easy task when you consider that at this point nobody at the school had used or even heard of Microsoft PowerPoint or Google images! Due to his pioneering and fun-loving attitude it didn’t take long for Biology to become the most successful and popular department in the whole school at both GCSE and A-Level, a legacy that continues to this day. A true transformational leader who genuinely cared for those staff that worked for him and those students that were inspired by him.

Arguably Andy’s biggest legacy are the Biology Expeditions that have allowed Grange student’s to experience and visit parts of the world they probably never dreamed possible as a student. Expeditions to Belize, Honduras, Egypt, South Africa, Mexico, Borneo, Galapogos, Ecuador and Thailand. In these remote locations students worked with scientists recording species and completed biomass surveys. The highlight of which has to have been in Honduras where Grange students discovered a species thought extinct in 1923; helping to raise money to conserve the cloud forest. For staff he will be remembered fondly for all staff socials and his love of something new and challenging. Andy is setting off to Thailand to set up a Treasure Island Hunt on Koh Tao and is already planning his next World Cup trip.

David Kereszteny-Lewis - Director of Visual Arts

By Mrs Naish

David joined The Grange School as Director of Visual Arts in 2001, having previously been Head of Art at Christleton High School. He oversaw the creation of the now well established and highly successful Graphics Department, as well as introducing Textile Design in to the curriculum. David is a passionate and talented art educator, and his infectious love of his subject defined his approach to art education at The Grange. Over the years, he has guided a huge number of students through their GCSE’s and A levels, with many going on to have successful careers in the creative industries.

David aimed to give his students an immersive art experience; he led many trips abroad, enabling his students to see art in international settings. Trips included Japan, California, and numerous trips to Madrid, a city David loves.

Following his retirement in July 2021, David leaves behind a legacy of high quality, challenging and dynamic art education. Those that have worked with him, or been taught by him, have benefitted from his wealth of experience as both a teacher and a practicing artist. David is now enjoying having the time to focus on his own art practice; something he maintained throughout the entirety of his teaching career.

Abby Stubbs - Deputy Head (Academic)

By Mrs Price

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Abby Stubbs after two years at the Junior School as Deputy Head Academic.

Abby joined us from a boarding school in Somerset where she and her husband were House Parents and Abby was Head of Y6. It takes time to settle into any new job and having to do this in the midst of a pandemic is even more demanding but Abby rose to the challenge admirably and was instrumental in setting up and guiding staff through the online teaching provision. During her own teaching of Y6 English and Y5 geography, she engaged the pupils and to quote one of them, “Mrs Stubbs’ lessons were always exciting”.

Abby’s hard work and enthusiasm for developing the quality of teaching will be greatly missed. Our very best wishes go to Abby and her family as they move to Cumbria and Abby takes up a Deputy Head position at a leading boarding school.

Howard Kelly - English Teacher and former Head of English

By Miss Stockton

Howard Kelly first arrived at The Grange twenty years ago having moved down from teaching in Scotland to be Deputy Head of English. Four years later, he was appointed Head of English and led a successful department for a number of years. To colleagues in the English department he was a wise and trusted leader and demonstrated an exceptional level of care and support. In addition to his English teaching, he established Christian Union with Mel Plant and became the school’s unofficial photographer during key school events.

Howard is one of those teachers that students don’t forget – for all the right reasons. His ability to enthral a class of Year 7s for 45 minutes is a result of his experience, skill and the fact that he was simply born to teach. Students will also remember Mr Kelly for his tendency to teach with a (plastic) sword; his way of conveying to students his belief in the power of the written word. Over the years, he inspired and imparted his love of literature, especially EM Forster and Kazuo Ishiguro, to many students. Howard epitomises all that is good about The Grange: strong relationships, kindness, compassion, academic rigour, and the highest standards.

Howard has now decided to take a much-deserved rest. We wish him well in his retirement.

Mark Pearson - Head of Geography

BY Mrs Eaton

It has been our pleasure to work for Mark as Head of Geography over the past 16 years. Mark placed an inclusive approach to Geography at the heart of our curriculum, believing that every student could achieve high grades with the right support. His calmness under pressure also made him a fantastic Head of Year, with many students seeking Mark’s wise counsel. The adoration he received from these students is testimony to his dedication to ensuring our A Level students make a successful transition to their next step, whatever that might be. Never one to rest upon his laurels, Mark also developed our first initial links with overseas universities by mentoring students through the US college application process. Similarly, thousands of students will have benefitted from the hours Mark spent organising fieldwork opportunities to get the best realworld experience of Geography. As well as annual trips to Delamere Forest, North Wales and the Yorkshire Coast, Mark led international trips to Iceland, Morocco, the South West United States and Japan. Such diversity reflected Mark’s intellectual curiosity to discover new cultures and landscapes. In this way, Mark was a true role model to our Geographers, encouraging them to interrogate new findings with an enquiring mind. Whilst all of us will miss Mark’s support, the department remains stronger for and is grateful for his influence.

Rob Robson - Head of History

By Mr Boardman

Mr Robson joined The Grange in September 2000, having taken the brave decision to leave his job in the NHS and his beloved Newcastle to try his hand at teaching in Cheshire – we are glad that he did! Mr Robson obviously found his calling, as he stayed for 22 years at The Grange. In this time, he impressed with his fervent passion for History and his gregarious and caring nature. Mr Robson brought History to life both in and outside the classroom. Indeed, his History trips were a highlight for many, with his America trip being legendary. Mr Robson’s love of Gowy House is also something he will be remembered for – as Head of House he was always on hand to cheer on his pupils from the side-lines with zeal. Mr Robson’s other passion was football, and his love of the game and keen coaching eye ensured he helped nurture numerous sides during his time at The Grange. It is safe to say that The Grange will miss Mr Robson and the joy, passion and colour which he brought to so many lives whilst he was here. We wish him the very best in his retirement, which came far too early!