thank you ugs

After 36 years in education, 20 of those at Urmston Grammar and 12 as Headteacher, it is time for me to say goodbye.

Writing those words still doesn’t feel real. This school has been more than just a workplace — it has been a home, a passion and a community that has filled my heart every single day. As I reach the end of this chapter, I have been reflecting deeply on just how much Urmston Grammar has given me: all the opportunities, the experiences, the enrichment, the support, the challenge and the friendships.

In recent weeks, I have experienced many ‘lasts’: my final reading session on a Wednesday morning, my last Open Evening, the last Induction Evening, the last school production and my final Celebration Evening.

On Thursday I will teach my final lesson with my wonderful Year 8 group (Friday’s half lesson will be for some games Y8!); and on Friday I will deliver my last staff briefing and my final assembly.

But for me, the most emotional part has been not knowing when a brief conversation with a student, colleague, or parent might be my last. It is in those small, everyday moments that I find the greatest joy.

When I arrived in 2005 as an Assistant Headteacher, I thought I would be here for four or five years. I had already worked in four schools over 16 years and imagined that pattern would continue. But UGS had other plans: I quickly became Deputy, Associate Principal, and, in 2012, the Headteacher.

This school has a way of getting under your skin and wrapping itself around your heart. And it is not the buildings or the systems that do that, it is the people. You. The students, the staff, the governors, the parents, the entire UGS community. You are what makes this school so special.

To our incredible students - thank you. You have challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place.

Watching you grow into confident, thoughtful, talented young people has been the greatest privilege of my career. Always remember you are capable of far more than you realise. Keep working hard, be kind, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.

To my amazing colleagues — thank you. Your passion, expertise, and care for our students has made every day rewarding. You are the heart of this school and I have been honoured to lead alongside you.

And to parents and carers — thank you for your unwavering support, your trust, and your partnership. It has been a privilege to work with you in shaping the journeys of your children.

I leave knowing that the future of Urmston Grammar is bright, we have already achieved so much: we are the top GCSE-performing co-educational school, not just in Trafford, but in the whole of the Northwest! 

I know that Mr Kennedy-Fowler, the Senior Leadership Team, and our incredible staff will continue to guide the school with the same values, ambition and integrity that have always been at its foundation.

I may be retiring, but Urmston Grammar will always be with me; in my memories, my heart and through everything I have learnt along the way from each and every one of you. Thank you, truly, for everything.

R S Wall