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Tributes paid to Gary Vyse, headteacher at Hundred of Hoo, following his death

Flowers have been laid at school gates following the sudden death of a "superb" head teacher.

Gary Vyse passed away at his home on Monday, February 13.

As students returned from half term to the Hundred of Hoo Academy this week, they placed flowers and cards outside the school to pay respects to their former head teacher.

Gary Vyse is the head teacher of Hundred of Hoo Academy
Gary Vyse is the head teacher of Hundred of Hoo Academy

After the news of his death broke last week, Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst took to Twitter to pay her respects.

She said: “So desperately sad to hear the news of Gary Vyse. I am so very proud of Gary and what he has done for education in Medway.

“A great guy and thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Mr Vyse was the chief executive of The Willamson Trust which oversees six schools across the Towns.

This included Rochester Math School, Hundred of Hoo Academy, Elaine Primary Academy, High Halstow Primary and St James’ Primary in Grain.

He had been involved with the trust since its inception in 2011.

Students left flowers at the school when they returned after half term
Students left flowers at the school when they returned after half term

Naushbah Khan, Labour councillor and one of the directors of the Willamson’s Trust, said: “Gary Vyse was a colleague and a friend and one of the best in the teaching profession who inspired many, including me.

“Thoughts and prayers with his family and children.”

Other chief executives of trusts in Medway have also paid tribute.

Stuart Gardner from Thinking Schools Academy Trust, said: “Gary was a superb education leader and his contribution to raising the aspirations and achievements of young people cannot be overstated.

“He had a drive that led to school improvement and always had the best interests of his students at heart.

Floral tributes left following the death of Gary Vyse
Floral tributes left following the death of Gary Vyse

“He was also a friend and a former colleague of myself and so many of the staff across Thinking Schools Academy Trust.

“I speak on behalf of us all when I say he will be hugely missed, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Tina Lovey, from Rivermead Inclusive Trust, said: “Thoughts from all at the Rivermead Inclusive Trust at this terribly sad time for family, friends, pupils, staff and all those impacted by the tragic news of the death of respected Medway head teacher Gary Vyse.”

A date for his inquest has not yet been set.

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