Top Harrogate education leader says farewell by returning to the classroom for one last time
Harrogate pupils have said a fond farewell to one of the most influential figures in education over the last 30 years in the region as he returned to the classroom for one final lesson.
A transformative education leader who served as Headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School from 2007 to 2019, before becoming the founding CEO of the Red Kite Learning Trust from 2018 to 2025, Richard Sheriff OBE was given a moving send-off in his final week as the founding Chief Executive Officer of Red Kite Learning Trust.
Richard has led the Trust since its inception in 2015, overseeing its growth to 16 schools across North and West Yorkshire.
Prior to this, he served as Headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School and Temple Moor High School in Leeds.
He has also played a significant national role in education, including two terms as President of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).
In a message to parents, Chris Tulley, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “The Board of Trustees would like to thank Richard for his outstanding leadership, vision and dedication.
"Red Kite Learning Trust would not be what it is today without his tireless commitment to nurturing ambition, delivering excellence and enriching the lives of children across all of our schools.”
As part of his final half-term, Mr Sheriff attended a meeting of the Trust’s Youth Board at Temple Learning Academy, joined by pupil representatives from every Red Kite Learning Trust school.
Pupils led the session and shared a range of presentations, including a poem reflecting on the impact he has had on education and young people’s lives, a guitar performance from a talented pupil, and reflections on his long-standing commitment to climate change education.
Pupils also presented a number of gifts, including a large jigsaw map featuring all Red Kite Learning Trust schools, alongside a branded hedgehog hut created by pupils at Coppice Valley Primary School, highlighting the Trust’s focus on environmental responsibility.
Richard also returned to the classroom for one final lesson, teaching Year 7 geography at Rossett School about the town’s development as a spa destination.