After almost 10 years as Chair of the Latymer School's Governing Body, Stephen Way, Class of 1974 (1967 joiner), stepped down from the role in September. His commitment, leadership, experience and deep connection to Latymer have made a lasting contribution to the school community, benefiting students, parents, staff and alumni alike. 

We caught up with Stephen to reflect on his time as Chair, the changes he has seen at Latymer and his hopes for the school's future. 

Stephen at the 2024 reunion marking the 400th anniversary.
©The Latymer School

In 2017, I was asked to become a governor by the Enfield Schools service. They felt that, as a former student and a National Leader of Governance, I was well placed to support the school. I was already an experienced Chair of Governors at other schools, and the then Chair, Jackie Hardie, had only stepped into the role on a temporary basis. So I officially became Chair on 17th October 2017. 

When I took on the role, it was described to me by another National Leader of Governance – who was a big football fan – as the "governance equivalent of becoming manager of Real Madrid"! I also quickly discovered, to my surprise, that because Latymer is a voluntary aided school, the Governing Body is the employer of all the school's staff, which brings significant responsibilities. 

My aim was, and always remained, to ensure effective and supportive governance for Latymer. The school was dealing with the results of a significant change in leadership when I took over the chair. It took a while for the changes to bed in, but the governing board is now more representative of the current school community, more supportive of the leadership while retaining the necessary challenge and understands the educational and financial pressures the school faces. 

Being Chair of Governors of a large secondary school is not for the faint-hearted. It is a substantial commitment – around a day a week during term time – but reconnecting with life as part of the Latymer community and seeing students achieve remarkable things, not just academically, has been hugely enjoyable and rewarding.

One of my proudest moments as Chair would be standing on the stage of the Royal Festival Hall celebrating the 400th anniversary in March 2024, addressing an audience of over 2,300 Latymerians past and present. Looking back, I'm also very pleased to have developed the governance of the school and the relationship with the Latymer Foundation so the school is well governed and supported. 

Stephen delivering his speech at the Royal Festival Hall, March 2024.
©The Latymer School

Under Maureen Cobbett, with the support of governors and the Senior Leadership Team, Latymer became a much more supportive, caring and inclusive school. This continues under the current Headteacher, Joseph Gilford. Recruiting Joseph, an exceptional headteacher who joined in 2025 following Maureen's retirement, and supporting him as he built a new leadership team has been a great way to help set the school up for future success. 

There have also been some significant developments to the school's premises in recent years. The new 3G pitch, replacement heating systems, systematic roof maintenance and, of course, the new library extension have all been important investments in the school's future. 

Going forward, the Latymer School has the opportunity now to establish itself as a leader of best practice in pedagogy, working with both local and peer schools in partnership. There is also an opportunity to continue working with our neighbouring primary schools to support the social mobility of students in Edmonton. This builds on the foundation established by Edward Latymer more than 400 years ago, while also giving current Latymer students opportunities to develop their own mentoring skills.

If I may, I'd like my leaving message to be: 

• To the students: you are amazing, make sure you keep taking every opportunity that comes your way and be proud to be a Latymerian. 
• To the staff: thank you for everything you have done to support the students in realising their potential and achieving brilliant outcomes. And thank you for coping with the disruption that change has brought. 
• To the alumni: the Latymer community is amazing, I hope I have been a worthy alumni representative whilst acting as Chair. Don't hesitate to volunteer to support the school – you won't regret it.

Whilst I will miss having my finger on the pulse of the school, I feel an even closer link to Latymer now. I am proud to be able to look around the school and think "We did that on my watch". 

My time as Chair was genuinely "Time well spent"! 

Stephen will continue to play an active role in the Latymer community, including as a Trustee of the Latymer Foundation and, of course, our Chief Volunteer Photographer! But for now, please join us in thanking Stephen for his tremendous contribution to the school as Chair, while giving Carolin Schönherr, the new Chair, a very warm Latymer welcome.

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