On Thursday 6th March, Highfields bid a fond and final farewell to a pillar of the Highfields community, Keith Sedgebeer. Keith was a member of the local governing board for over twenty years, for most of that time serving as Chair of Governors and the Chair of the Lykos Trust board.
Keith’s was a life full of music, travel and love of education. Keith was appointed as General Inspector for Schools (Music) in Wolverhampton, having previously been Music Adviser for Hertfordshire and following a 10-year career as Head of Music Departments in Grammar and Comprehensive schools in Warwickshire and Coventry. During his time as a Music Inspector, he was presented with the ‘Most Innovative Initiatives’ Award, for his work in promoting Music Education in Special Schools and the Multi-Cultural Community.
Keith also conducted the Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra for over 30 years, during that period they were invited every year to represent Great Britain in International Music Festivals all over Europe, both West and East. Notably, they were the first orchestra to play in East Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
In 2017 Keith won the Teacher of the Year accolade at the Express & Star’s Great Big Thank You Awards in recognition of his contribution to education in the city over four decades.
Working with Highfields, he set the culture and ethos we are so proud of today, reminding all of us of the transformative power of music and education. Although many staff and students may not have had the privilege of meeting Keith, his wisdom, experience and dedication have enriched the lives of everyone who has been a part of Highfields.
Mr Tate, Headteacher, shared his experiences of Keith, stating “Keith has seen the school through many difficult times in his same inimitable style. Everything that he has done has been unwaveringly values driven with young people at the heart of every decision, a belief in local representation and accountability and only a slight bias towards the importance of music and the arts!”.
Keith’s charm and caring nature won the hearts of many throughout his life, which was evident as Highfields staff, past and present, joined over a hundred people in attendance at the funeral last Thursday. We would like to thank Keith’s family for inviting Highfields to join them in celebrating his life.
Lastly, we would like to say a final, heartfelt thank you to Keith himself. You held a special place in the hearts of everyone here, and we will remember you with a smile, and cherish the happy times shared together.
