Stoke High School and Ormiston Academies Trust are paying tribute to Elizabeth Combes, a dedicated governor who is set to retire from her role as Chair of the Local Governing Body at the Ipswich based academy after decades of service to the school, its community and the wider education sector.
Elizabeth’s retirement marks the culmination of an extraordinary commitment spanning around 40 years, during which she has played a vital role in supporting generations of pupils, staff and families at Stoke High School and across local schools through her leadership in governance.
Throughout her time at Stoke High School, Elizabeth has been a firm advocate for high-quality education and positive outcomes for young people. During this period, Elizabeth worked closely with leaders to support the school’s ongoing improvement journey and ensure it remained firmly connected to the local community it serves. This included her instrumental role in helping Stoke High School reach significant milestones, including its Ofsted inspection in June 2026 which recognised the strength of its inclusive culture, the positive relationships between pupils and staff, and the high expectations that underpin pupils’ personal development.
I am proud of the progress the school has made, particularly in recent years, and I leave confident that it is in a strong position to continue building on that success.
Elizabeth Combes
As Chair of the Local Governing Body and Safeguarding Governor, she has provided invaluable leadership, challenge and support to school leaders, helping to guide the school through periods of change and improvement while always keeping the needs of pupils at the heart of decision-making.
As Elizabeth prepares to attend her final Local Governing Body meeting later this term, she leaves Stoke High School in a strong and secure position, well placed to continue building on its successes and delivering the best possible opportunities for young people in the years ahead.
Elizabeth Combes said:
“It has been a privilege to support Stoke High School and its community over so many years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff, governors and school leaders who are committed to helping young people succeed. I am proud of the progress the school has made, particularly in recent years, and I leave confident that it is in a strong position to continue building on that success. I would like to thank everyone I have worked with and wish the school every success for the future.”
Karen Baldwin, Principal at Stoke High School, said:
“Liz has made a significant contribution to Stoke High School through her many years of dedicated service as a governor. Her commitment to the school, its pupils and the wider community has been evident throughout her time in the role, and she has played an important part in supporting the school’s development and progress. Her knowledge of the school and the local community, together with her commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for young people, will leave a lasting legacy at Stoke High School.”
Tom Rees, Chief Executive Officer of Ormiston Academies Trust, said:
“Elizabeth’s long-standing commitment to Stoke High School, through its Local Governing Body, has made a significant contribution to the school and its community. Through her many years of service as a governor, she has provided consistent support and challenge to school leaders while always keeping the interests of pupils at the heart of her work. On behalf of everyone at Ormiston Academies Trust, I would like to thank Elizabeth for her dedication and impact.”