Amherst Primary School headteacher Gary Hind to retire after 35-year career
- Gary Hind will retire as headteacher of Amherst Primary School at the end of December 2026 after 35 years in education
- He led the amalgamation of three schools to create Vale Primary School and was the first Guernsey headteacher to complete an Ofsted inspection
- Since joining Amherst in September 2024, he has guided the school through a successful inspection and secured a UNICEF Gold Award
- The school's governing body has praised his visible and approachable leadership style
- A recruitment campaign is under way to appoint his successor
The headteacher of Amherst Primary School, Gary Hind, will retire at the end of December 2026 after more than 35 years in education, the school has announced.
Mr Hind's career includes approximately 25 years as a headteacher, during which he has successfully led several schools in the UK before moving to Guernsey with his family.
In early 2012, he became headteacher of Vale Junior School and subsequently led the successful amalgamation of Vale Junior School, Vale Infant School and St Sampson's Infant School to create Vale Primary School. He was also the first headteacher in Guernsey to lead a school through the Ofsted inspection process, achieving a successful outcome.
Mr Hind joined Amherst Primary School as headteacher in September 2024 and has since guided the school through a highly successful inspection in early 2025, as well as securing the prestigious UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award.
"It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to support so many amazing children, staff and parents in my time at Amherst and at Vale. Our island has so many talented children. I would like to thank them for the ways they have demonstrated their varied abilities, made us laugh and smile and be proud of their achievements over the years and, of course, for the highly skilled, supportive and dedicated teachers and staff who have devoted their time, effort and enthusiasm to nurture and develop those talents! I shall certainly miss the children, the staff and parents - but know they will continue to thrive and flourish in the future," Mr Hind said.
Jon Buckland, chair of the Amherst Primary School board of governors, thanked Mr Hind for his service.
"After joining the school in September 2024, Mr Hind will retire at the end of this term, and the governing body would like to thank him warmly for his service, his energy and his genuine care for every child in our school. He has been a visible and approachable leader, well-liked by pupils, staff and families alike, and we wish him a well-deserved, long and happy retirement. A full recruitment campaign is already under way to appoint a new headteacher of the highest quality, someone who can pick up the baton and build on the school's many strengths and the strong foundations built by Mr Hind," Mr Buckland said.
Kim Hutchison, head of primary leadership and development, praised Mr Hind's commitment.
"Throughout his career, Mr Hind has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing the very best opportunities for children and fostering strong, supportive school communities. His calm leadership, professionalism and dedication have had a lasting impact on countless pupils, families and colleagues. On behalf of the entire school community, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for Mr Hind's outstanding service, compassion and commitment to education. We thank him for all that he has contributed to Amherst Primary School and wish him every happiness and success in his retirement," Ms Hutchison said.
Opportunities will be provided for the Amherst school community to formally thank Mr Hind before the end of the year. The process of appointing a new headteacher has now begun.
Q&A
Q: When will Gary Hind retire?
A: Gary Hind will retire at the end of December 2026.
Q: What are Gary Hind's main achievements in Guernsey?
A: He led the amalgamation of Vale Junior School, Vale Infant School and St Sampson's Infant School to create Vale Primary School, was the first headteacher in Guernsey to complete an Ofsted inspection, and at Amherst Primary School he guided the school through a successful inspection and secured the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award.
Q: How long has Gary Hind been headteacher at Amherst Primary School?
A: Gary Hind joined Amherst Primary School as headteacher in September 2024, meaning he will have served for just over two years when he retires in December 2026.
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