Geoffrey Rees

Geoffrey Rees CBE FRSA was the Principal of Ivybridge Community College in Devon, England until early 2010. He is a Governor of both Plymouth University and a former Governor of the University College of St Mark & St John, Plymouth. He was a long serving member of the Devon & Cornwall LSE board. He is also non-executive director of the Mount Batten Water sports centre in Plymouth. He has served on various committees such as the Duke of Edinburgh West Country board. He has been an advisor to the Institute of Directors. Geoffrey Rees is recognised as a 'Leader of Change' on the international education scheme. Geoff has most recently been involved in advising the government on what form the education legacy wil take on the Olympic site following the 2012 Games.

Recognition

In 2003 he was appointed to the style and dignity of a Commander[1] of the most noble Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace London England in recognition of his services to education.

Early career

He started his career in 1969 as an assistant history teacher in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and taught in schools in Sussex then Essex before moving to Devon in 1979. He held senior posts at schools in Plymouth and north Devon before taking up his appointment at Ivybridge in 1987.

Achievement at ICC

Mr Rees has overseen large-scale developments and improvements in recent years which have culminated in a number of awards being presented to the Ivybridge Community College. In 2005, ICC was awarded 'Science & Maths College' status, this being the college's second such award after being named a 'Sports College' some years before. The college has gone on to achieve specialist status in Languages. It also is a leading edge institution and a training school; all these carry additional funding streams. The college has received 'Outstanding' in its last four, last inspection 2009 OFSTED[2] reports, which has led to it being granted 'High Performing' status. Under his leadership the school has gained International School Status via the British Council.

Sporting

Mr Rees has always enjoyed sporting activity, and includes completing the London Marathon amongst his personal achievements. Before teaching, Mr Rees was an avid rugby union player in his native Wales and went on to Captain the Cambridge University team in a successful Varsity match against Oxford University.

Known throughout the town as 'Mr Ivybridge', his larger-than-life personality and gifts as a publicist for his school have had a positive impact. He was renowned for saying hello to every student in the corridor, although it's difficult to remember the names of 2,300 students personally.

Family

Rees is the middle child of Sidney and Mary Rees. He has an older brother Brian, and a younger sister Mandy.

Retirement

He announced, on 5 February 2009, that he will be retiring as Principal of Ivybridge Community College at the end of the 2009, after holding the position for 22 years.[3]

References

  1. ↑ BBC New Years Honour;s List 2003 ,
  2. ↑ http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_providers/full/(urn)/113541/(type)/8192/(typename)/Secondary%20schools
  3. ↑ Rees, Geoffrey (2009-02-05). "Letter of announced retirement" (PDF). Ivybridge Community College. Retrieved 2009-03-22.

External links

Ivybridge Community College
NACE Policy for Able Children