John Kyrle High School

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John Kyrle High School is a secondary school with academy status situated in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, England. It is named after the philanthropist John Kyrle (1637–1724), known as "The Man of Ross".HistoryThe school site was opened in 1953 and was Herefordshire's first secondary modern school. The Ross-on-Wye Grammar School and secondary modern school (the Overross School) were merged in 1979 to form a single comprehensive school called John Kyrle High School. In August 1979, the Lower School site, the former grammar school, was badly damaged by fire. This site was closed in 1997.The site of the current school covers about 15 acres. The building was constructed during the Second World War and, although planned as a 500 pupil school, it also acted as an emergency hospital in case of severe bombings. The main corridors and rooms off it were built in such a way that it could be used as a hospital. The Ross-on-Wye Secondary Modern opened on the site in 1953, although it was intended to be a boys' school that could provide support 500 pupils. At this time there were only 14 classrooms, a science room, an art room, two craft rooms, two domestic science rooms, library, two handicraft rooms, gymnasium with changing rooms, entrance and exhibition hall, an assembly hall, administration block, dining room and kitchens.The cost of the building and grounds to Herefordshire County Council was £122,250 not including equipment.AwardsThe school has been awarded Technology College status, among other awards for its large investment in Interactive White Boards and a large amount of computer facilities. The school also recently received an ofsted "outstanding" school award in 2008. It became a New Converter Academy in January 2010 following the Headteacher attending a presentation given by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Education in Downing Street.