Gary Vyse, 37, was considered a leading light in his role of running six academies
A super-strict headmaster who hit the headlines after imposing a cosmetics crackdown has died aged just 37.
Gary Vyse, of Rochester, Kent, was considered a leading light in his role of running six academies as chief executive of The Williamson Trust in Medway.
He became known for banning pupils from wearing false eyelashes, fake tan, heavy foundation and lipstick.
He criticised parents in June 2016 for allowing pupils at Hundred Of Hoo Academy to wear heavy make-up, telling them: ‘School is not a fashion parade.’
Mr Vyse was back in the news four months later when he was banned from driving after crashing his BMW while drunk in Larkfield, Kent.
He was caught by police after smashing up his 428i car in October 2016, and found to be more than twice the legal limit for drink driving.
But South East Coast Ambulance and Kent Police were called to his home at about 9.30pm on Monday night.
Since his death, tributes have been pouring in from colleagues and pupils.
Williamson Trust chairman Michael Costello said: ‘It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Mr Gary Vyse, the chief executive of The Williamson Trust.
‘Mr Vyse passed away at home on Monday, February 12. We are all shocked and saddened by the loss of such a strong and influential leader.
Mr Vyse criticised parents in June 2016 for allowing pupils at Hundred Of Hoo Academy in Rochester, Kent, to wear heavy make-up, telling them: ‘School is not a fashion parade’
‘Gary was an extraordinary individual with a passion for education, and a real drive to do the best for the trust, its staff and its students.
‘Gary had been part of the trust since its inception in April 2011. He was always dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for the children of the trust.
‘The Williamson Trust’s board of directors and senior leadership team will help guide our schools as we come to terms with the loss of Gary.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary’s family and friends.’
Andrew Mackness, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services, said: ‘I am deeply shocked and saddened by today’s tragic news about Gary.
‘As well as being someone I valued as a professional friend and colleague, Gary had been a leading light in driving real improvement in education in Medway and in shaping the way we educate our young people.
‘His track record, drive and energy in championing education was outstanding and he will leave a lasting legacy for which we are very grateful.
‘Our thoughts at this very sad time are with his family and all the students and staff of The Williamson Trust family who we know will miss him greatly.’
Dominic Herrington, regional schools commissioner for South East and South London, said: ‘I am deeply saddened by this news.
‘We always had the utmost respect for Gary’s dedication to improving the life chances of children at The Williamson Trust. Our thoughts are with his family and those who knew him.’
Former students and friends took to social media to praise Mr Wyse for his work.
Carmen Jane Robinson posted on Facebook: ‘If it’s true about Gary Vyse then it’s very sad news and my thoughts go out to his young family.’
Corrine Simmons posted: ‘I’m so shocked and saddened by this news. He was honestly one of the best mentors and teachers I ever had throughout my time at Hundred of Hoo!
‘Helped me through a lot in school (2003-2008), was always there for me and was always a great laugh. Always pushed you to do your best and you could always tell he was so proud!’
‘I have a lot of great memories I will treasure. He will be missed a lot! Thoughts go to his family and colleagues at this awful time.’
And Natasha Rixson posted: ‘Lovely man, always sat me at his desk as I talk too much. Such a great loss. Shame people didn’t tell him when he was here.’
George Perfect, chair of Medway Youth Council, said: ‘We have always had the upmost respect for Gary’s work in improving attainment and achievement of young people.
‘Gary was a great advocate of young people in Medway and always supported us as an organisation. His work will have a lasting legacy on the towns.’
A Kent Police spokesman said: ‘Kent Police was called at 9.35pm on Monday 12 February to Rochester.
‘Officers attended along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and a man was declared deceased. The death is not being treated as suspicious.’
My Vyse rose to prominence during a glittering teaching career. He became head teacher of the Hundred of Hoo Academy in September 2011.
The academy had been placed into special measures in April 2009, but by December 2012 Ofsted rated it ‘good’.
Under his guidance, the academy rose to the top 20 per cent of secondary schools in England and Wales for the pupils’ progress.
In January 2014, My Vyse became a local leader of education and part of the Ofsted headteachers group for the South East and London.
In September 2015, the academy became Medway’s first to provide all-through provision for four to 19-year-olds.
A year later, My Vyse became chief executive officer for The Williamson Trust.
In a statement at the time of his drink drive case, Mr Vyse said: ‘Many will know of my ‘no excuses’ policy for pupils at my school and that is something that I myself also live by. My actions were wrong and this is something I will always regret.
‘I would like to apologise for what has happened, and reassure you that the moment of recklessness which has caused great embarrassment for me, was incredibly out of character and it’s certainly not something I condone.’