Thanks, Barry!

Written by David Heath MP and published in Somerset Standard on Thu 31st Jul 2008

Just over seventeen years ago, I was County Councillor for Frome North, and along with the College Governors we had an important job to do, to select a successor to John Fisher as Head of Frome College. The candidate we chose was the young and charismatic head of Stanchester School, Barry Bates. He seemed then an outstanding candidate for the job. He was.

Barry has been a wonderful leader of the school through sometimes difficult times. He has won the respect of colleagues, students and the wider community alike. He has pushed forward Frome College in so many ways, and I know that he didn't want to leave without securing yet another major building programme before he went. Typically, he did so; another mission accomplished.

Much of the success of Frome schools recently has come from the Frome Federation, a real partnership between secondary, middle and first schools. Much of that has been Barry's work, but at the same time he seemed to know every student at the college, and have time for them.

My family have good reason to thank Barry for his contribution to the school both my children have attended. But I think Frome as a whole has benefited from his wise and progressive leadership. Thank you, Barry, and all the best for the future.