TERRY Clarke MBE, the last founder member of staff at Langley Academy is leaving the school in July.
As Assistant Headteacher and Arts Director, he has been a teacher for 46 years and 41 of those have been at Langley School.
Terry taught at Sharmans Cross Boys School on Radbourne Road until he was appointed one of 19 staff to open Langley with 250 students in 1974.
Initially in the PE department he had success coaching football, cricket and basketball teams, then changed focus and produced well over 100 school drama productions and developed the Dovehouse Theatre as a thriving community facility.
Terry was awarded an MBE by The Queen in 2010 for services to education.
He feels that much of the ethos set up in those early days has remained the same and has been built on to become more and more relevant today.
He said: “Langley has always wanted every student to get the best possible academic results they can, have self-belief and a positive creative personality that will enhance the environment they move into and I see that regularly from current and ex-students.”
“It’s such an inspiration when former students take the time to get in touch to let me know how they are getting on and what they are doing in their lives.
“It’s such a privilege to have worked alongside so many dedicated staff and teachers at Langley and also so many parents who have partnered up with us to give their children such vital support.”
