Our students are a credit to the school and their families. I would like to express my thanks for your continued support. 

In view of my imminent departure, I just wanted to highlight what an amazing experience it has been at OIAMFS. It has been a privilege to work with, support and learn from an amazing school community. With the help of many passionate and committed people, both within the school and beyond, the school has continued to go from strength to strength.

The biggest highlight of my time at OIAMFS will undoubtedly be the people and the teamwork I have shared this journey with. There are too many great people to mention individually, however I want to highlight, once again, what a phenomenal support they have been, and I will remain forever grateful to have had the support and backing of such an amazing group of professionals.

Special thanks also to the OIAMFS Governors who have been critical friends and a huge support in the strategic leadership and the development of the school. They are a team of incredible people who always put the students of OIAMFS at the heart of every decision they take, offering their time, support and skill freely, yet rarely get a mention for all their hard work. They are an integral aspect in the leadership and management of the school.

And so to the students of One In A Million Free School - you have and will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I will continue to smile and feel huge pride as I hear about you reaching your milestones and achieving your dreams. Always remember, you are unique and valued. Whenever I think about the students of OIAMFS I think about the famous phrase from A.A. Milne in his children’s classic Winnie the Pooh:

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we are not together…there is something you must always remember:

You are braver than you believe,
stronger than you seem,
and smarter than you think…
But the most important thing is,
even if we’re apart…
I’ll always be with you”.

A.A Milne

As the sun sets on my time here at OIAMFS, I am delighted to be handing over the role to my long-time colleague and friend Jane Hobbs. I am incredibly proud to both introduce and endorse Mrs Hobbs as Acting Principal. Mrs Hobbs has always put the needs of the students first and upholds OIAM’s Values to the core. Her expertise as Senior Vice Principal has been central to the ongoing improvements seen within the school and I cannot think of a better person to take charge of a school that means so much to me.

I shall remain the biggest advocate for our city, our community and above all, our school and I look forward to keeping a close eye on your news, developments and undoubted successes over forthcoming years. I know that with everybody’s continuing support, the school will continue to be a truly special place.

With very best wishes for all your future successes, I bid you the fondest of farewells.

Stuart Rees

On behalf of the Trust

A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession. That is why what we leave behind is just as important as what we accomplish whilst in our job. It’s about leaving the world a better place than the one that you began with. Thank you Mr Rees for improving the development of our school and for leaving it in a better place than the one that you began with. It is testament to you that you leave behind a happy and safe culture for students to thrive, as well as, a very confident and capable staffing complement who will lead the school into its next chapter of maturity.

You will always be welcome to visit the school and One In A Million charity whenever you are back in the region. On behalf of everyone we wish you all the very best in the future.