Forest Preparatory School, a Bellevue Education school based in Timperley, Cheshire, will see its Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher switch roles at the start of the new academic year in September 2021.
Our current headteacher Rick Hyde will take up the role of Deputy Headteacher and Year Five Teacher, whilst current Deputy Headteacher Graeme Booth will step into the headship.
Both Mr Hyde and Mr Booth have been in their roles at Forest Preparatory School since 2009. Mr Hyde was previously Head of School, when Forest Preparatory School was under joint headship with Forest Park Preparatory School, in nearby Sale; whilst Mr Booth, a former pupil of the school, previously taught in the school’s kindergarten.
The change was prompted by an informal conversation both teachers had during the summer of 2020.
Current Headteacher, Mr Hyde, comments: ‘We both talked through the stages we were in professionally. I was keen to teach again, whilst Mr Booth was ready to take the next step into headship. When we considered switching roles as a result, it seemed strange at first. However, both knowing that our priority is the school, it felt right.’
Current Deputy Head, Graeme Booth, adds: ‘We simply would not have come to the decision without considering whether it would have been ‘the Forest way’ - our ethos - to do so. We will continue to work closely together in our new roles, and we are excited to drive the school forward in these changing times.’
Mr Hyde comments: ‘There is nothing Mr Booth does not know about headship, nor about this school. There is no one better placed to take up the role of Headteacher.’
Soon to approach its 100th anniversary, Forest Preparatory School was founded in 1924 by the Clegg sisters. Rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the ISI (2018), with an ‘outstanding’ Early Years department, the school teaches children aged two to 11.
Mr Hyde and Mr Booth cemented their decision with the support of Bellevue Education, a group of 21 independent schools across the UK and Europe, of which the school became a part in 2014.
Bellevue Education Director Gregg Davies comments: ‘Mr Hyde has been a figurehead for Forest Preparatory School, having managed several inspections where the school was found to be excellent in all regards, whilst always displaying integrity, passion and warmth. Mr Booth has worked at the school since gaining his work experience there at the age of 16, and I know he will bring his enormous energy, enthusiasm and undoubted love for the school to his new role.
‘Both Mr Hyde and Mr Booth are remarkable senior leaders of Forest Preparatory School, and thus this decision was driven by our determination to achieve what would be the best outcome for the pupils, staff and parents of the school. We are delighted by these new appointments.’
Mr Hyde and Mr Booth look forward to taking up their new roles in September 2021.