Farewell to our Staff Leavers
13 July 2026
Mrs Murphy
Mrs Murphy's story is uniquely intertwined with that of Stroud High School. A former student and former Head Girl from 1979 to 1986, she returned to the school to join the Chemistry Department in 1996 and has since dedicated her professional life to educating successive generations of students. Over many years, she has earned a reputation as an exceptional teacher, making the complexities of Chemistry accessible, engaging and understandable for all.
Her influence, however, extends far beyond her classroom. Mrs Murphy has been a passionate advocate for teachers and for the profession itself as one of the most Senior Officers in the National Education Union. Through her work supporting colleagues not only at Stroud High School but across the South West, she has provided guidance, wisdom and practical support in some of the most challenging and complex circumstances faced by educators. She has also played an important role in representing the voice of teachers within the wider profession, helping to ensure that their experiences and perspectives are heard. Without doubt, one of the most respected champions of the profession in the region.
Those who have worked alongside her will know that her contribution has been defined not simply by expertise, but by integrity. Her strong moral compass, sense of fairness and unwavering commitment to doing what is right have helped shape the culture of our school and have served as a guiding light for colleagues over many years. Mrs Murphy's impact on Stroud High School and the wider educational community is immeasurable. As a student, leader, teacher, colleague and advocate, she has exemplified the qualities and values which makes our school so special. We thank her for her extraordinary lifelong service and wish her every happiness and success in her retirement.
Mrs Utting
Few members of staff have left such a lasting mark on the life of Stroud High School as Mrs Utting. Over a remarkable career spanning more than two decades, she has served the school in a wide variety of roles since joining in 2001: Teacher of History and Geography, Curriculum Team Leader for Geography, Curriculum Team Leader for PSHE, Year 7 Leader, and Head of Primary Outreach. In each position, she brought the same boundless energy, enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the students in her care.
For many students and their families, their first experience of Stroud High School came through Mrs Utting’s warm smile and reassuring presence. Whether welcoming Year 7 pupils as they embarked on their secondary education or working closely with local primary schools to strengthen community links, she placed empathy, understanding and meaningful relationships at the heart of her work. An inspirational teacher, Mrs Utting had the ability to bring learning to life in the classroom. Generations of students will cherish memories of Geography field trips, where her meticulous organisation was matched only by the legendary catering that became a hallmark of those experiences. Yet beyond the memorable trips and events, it is her kindness that will be remembered most.
Mrs Utting approached every aspect of school life with positivity, professionalism and genuine care for others. She never needed a formal position within the senior leadership team to become one of the school's most valued sources of support, wisdom and guidance. Colleagues across the school benefited from her experience, encouragement and willingness to help, while students knew they could always rely on her compassion and understanding. Her belief that kindness should lie at the heart of education shaped her teaching, her leadership and her relationships with colleagues, students and parents alike. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, and we thank her for the countless ways in which she has enriched the lives of so many young people and contributed to the success and spirit of Stroud High School. We wish her every happiness and fulfilment in the next chapter of her life.
Mrs Rowan
After a distinguished career in education, Mrs Rowan leaves us to begin a well-earned retirement. She joined the team in 2018 as a part-time Science teacher. She is a highly respected member of the Science Department, and particularly through her specialist teaching of Biology, Mrs Rowan has planted and nurtured within students a curiosity about the natural world. Her expertise, dedication and calm professionalism have made her a warm and friendly colleague as well as a passionate advocate of the sciences. We wish her well in her retirement.
Mrs Easton
Mrs Easton's connection with Stroud High School spans two separate and highly successful periods of service. Many members of our community will remember her first as a PE teacher in 2018, before she returned to the school to take on the dual responsibilities of PE teacher and SENCO in 2022. In that latter role, she has been instrumental in shaping and developing our provision for students with additional needs, supporting both young people and their families with compassion, expertise and determination. The years following the pandemic brought significant challenges for schools across the country, alongside a growing understanding of the diverse needs of learners. Throughout this period, Mrs Easton has been at the forefront of ensuring that students received the support they needed to thrive. Her ability to navigate the complexities of modern education, advocate for families, and build effective systems of support has had a profound impact on the lives of countless students. As she takes up a senior role in another school, we offer our sincere congratulations and wish her every success in this exciting new opportunity.
Mr Lakin
Mr Lakin has been our DT Technician for the last two years. His calm and measured support will be greatly missed, as he now begins training to become a DT teacher. We wish him well.