THE director of a Wyre Forest education trust is retiring from his post after 15 years dedicated service to children and young people in the area.

Rob Chadwick will step down from his role leading the ContinU Trust at the end of September.

The Trust was set up as a charitable company comprising seven secondary schools in and around Wyre Forest, Kidderminster College, later the Wyre Forest Special School and ContinU Plus Academy, along with partner members from the universities of Birmingham and Wolverhampton, Barnardo’s and Worcestershire County Council.

Mr Chadwick’s role with ContinU was originally through his employment at Kidderminster’s Baxter College, but he transferred to the Severn Academies Educational Trust when the school joined in 2017.

Chief executive Chris King praised him for his “considerable service to so many young people throughout the district”.

Mr Chadwick said: “ContinU members have, collectively, delivered on a range of initiatives supporting the lives of young people and families across Wyre Forest.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many schools, Kidderminster College and key agencies for the common good.”

Collaborative ventures established by the ContinU Trust have included the Opening Doors Programme to benefit disadvantaged pupils; the Wyre Forest and Hagley Project, helping parents and carers get the right kind of help; the ContinU Plus Academy, offering alternative education provision for young people unable to access mainstream education and a Careers Network.