The inspirational Headteacher of St Michael’s Church of England High School in Rowley Regis, Mrs. Jayne Gray, sadly died on Wednesday 6th October 2021, following a courageous fight against cancer.

Mrs. Gray took over as Headteacher in September 2016, having previously held leadership posts at Lode Heath School in Solihull and Grace Academy in Darlaston. She provided the school with five years of outstanding service and “her legacy and vision will live on at St Michael’s in everything we do.”

 

On Friday 19th November 2021, we welcomed into school Mrs. Gray’s family and friends, members of the governing board, and officials from the local authority and Birmingham Diocese to join staff and students in a service to give thanks and praise for the life of Mrs. Gray and everything she brought to St Michael’s.

Mrs. Handy- Rivett, Acting Headteacher, said that the day was “not about being upset for the loss we have all suffered…(but to) celebrate the life of an inspirational Headteacher who worked with passion, relentless drive, and determination to make St Michael’s the best it could be”.

Mrs. Gray’s daughter, Amy, gave a moving speech in which she talked about the staff and students of St Michael’s being like a second family to her mum, “she wanted every student…to be able to leave with a world of opportunities at their feet; for them to reach their fullest of potentials; to believe in themselves, and to achieve their wildest dreams…it is through you, that her legacy will live on”.

 

Mrs. Gray was a former ballerina, and the celebration of her life included an array of dance, music, and tributes to honour her memory.

The Jayne Gray Bursary

Mrs. Gray was passionate about her school; her students; and the wider St Michael’s school community, and it is her family’s wishes that her legacy lives on through the creation of the Jayne Gray Bursary.

The Jayne Gray Bursary fund aims to help St Michael’s offer a small financial contribution to families who are in financial hardship and are unable to procure school uniforms, books, or stationery.

 

To find out more about The Jayne Gray Bursary or to donate please click on the image below.