After more than two decades at the helm of Stafford Grammar School, the man who became one of England’s youngest senior independent school headteachers is stepping down.
Michael Darley was just 32-years-old when he was appointed headmaster at SGS in 1998. His departure brings to a close a 21 year chapter in the school’s history, during which he oversaw several large building projects and a major expansion of the sports field. The key role he played in the creation of Stafford Preparatory School, which opened in the grounds of Stafford Grammar in 2007, is among his biggest legacies.
Born in Yorkshire to parents who were both teachers, Michael attended his local grammar school in Selby and later graduated from Manchester University with a degree in history and economics. He took up his first teaching job in Nantwich and moved after three years to become head of history at Northwich-based Grange School.
In 1996 Michael joined SGS as head of sixth form and was appointed headmaster two years later. During his leadership the school expanded to include a new sportshall and music centre, science block, sixth form centre and dining hall, while in 2007 a 16 acre piece of farmland next to the school was turned into a £400,000 showpiece playing field.
“I always wanted to teach, the same as my sister and both of my parents. I was 32 when I became head, which was very young back then!
“I’m very proud of how the school has developed with building projects and a junior school. Music and drama have developed hugely and both of my daughters went from SGS to specialist music or drama colleges. Sport here is also very strong,” he said.
Academically the school has gone from strength to strength, with last year’s A-level results averaging 74 per cent A*-B grades, outperforming all local independent schools and the neighbouring selective state grammar schools. Aged 53, Michael decided to leave to spend more time with his wife, Dominique, and family. Meanwhile the reins are being handed over to Lee Thomas, who will become the new headmaster in September. A familiar face at SGS, the 33-year-old English teacher joined Stafford Grammar 11 years ago and is the current head of senior school.
Pupils are commending the work of their outgoing head. Senior prefect Sian Gwyther, 17, said: “I think he’ll be missed by every pupil as he has been an integral part of the school and everything it does. He will definitely be a hard act to follow, but I’m sure Mr Thomas will do a fantastic job.”
Deputy head boy, 17-year-old Robbie Strang, added: “He’s always been very supportive of students’ various activities, whether that’s sport, music, drama or anything else. He has led a school where students feel secure and inspired to learn and develop as people.”
