Mystery as leading headmaster, 37, is found dead at home
MYSTeRY last night surrounded the death of a leading headteacher at the age of only 37.
Gary Vyse’s body was found after police and ambulance crews went to his home.
The cause of his death on Monday has not yet been revealed but it was not being treated as suspicious by police.
Mr Vyse famously banned his pupils from wearing false eyelashes, fake tan, heavy foundation and lipstick.
He was considered one of the most influential educational leaders in the region as chief executive of The Williamson Trust in Medway helping to run six academies.
He hit the headlines in June 2016 for introducing the strict rules at the Hundred of Hoo Academy, telling parents that ‘school is not a fashion parade’.
Just four months later, the father-of-two was back in the news after being banned from driving for crashing his BMW while drunk in Larkfield, Kent.
Mr Vyse was found dead at his home in Rochester, Kent, around 9.30pm on Monday. Neighbours living near his £350,000 three-bedroom semi- detached home said his death was ‘very sad’.
Michael Costello, chairman of The Williamson Trust, announced his passing ‘with great sadness’.
He added: ‘Mr Vyse passed away at home on February 12. We are all shocked and saddened by the loss of such a strong and influential leader. Gary was an extraordinary individual with a passion for education, and a real drive to do the best for the trust, its staff and its students. Gary had been part of the trust since its inception in April 2011.
‘He was always dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for the children.
‘The Williamson Trust’s board of directors and senior leadership team will help guide our schools as we come to terms with the loss of Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.’
George Perfect, chairman of Medway Youth Council, said: ‘We have always had the upmost respect for Gary’s work in improving the attainment and achievement of young people.
‘Gary was a great advocate of young people in Medway and always supported us as an organisation. His work will have a lasting legacy on the towns.’ Councillor Andrew Mackness, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services, said: ‘As well as being someone I valued as a professional friend and colleague, Gary had been a leading light in driving real improvement in education in Medway and in shaping the way we educate our young people.
‘ His track record, drive and energy in championing education was outstanding and he will leave a lasting legacy for which we are very grateful. Our thoughts at this very sad time are with his family and all the students and staff of The Williamson Trust family who we know will miss him greatly.’
Mr Vyse became prominent during an impressive teaching career and became head of the Hundred of Hoo Academy in September 2011, taking it from being in special measures to an Ofsted rating of ‘good’ by December 2012.
The academy rose to the top 20 per cent of secondaries in england and Wales for pupils’ progress.
In 2014, My Vyse became a local leader of education and part of the Ofsted headteachers group for the South east and London. Two year later, he became chief executive officer at the trust.
His death has been referred to the coroner who will determine if an inquest is to be held.
‘Had a passion for education’