2008 AWARD - 'Spirit of Excellence in Education' presented by the Hon. Minister; Alden McLaughlin,  Permanent Secretary and Chief Officer Mrs Angela Martins and Ministry of Education staff in the Cayman Islands.

PROFESSOR STEPHEN HEPPELL:

“The education system makeover to evolve a full Campus Caymanian in the Caribbean is world leading in its ambition, and its execution.

With every single element evolving in parallel, within the space of a very few years, this would be chaotic and frankly unachievable without the rock that the whole project is built on. That rock is Gareth Long”  

2006 AWARD:

Chief Officers Award, Ministry of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports and Culture:

“Outstanding performance in the visioning and delivery of the strategies within the National Consensus on the Future of Education in the Cayman Islands document”

Other Comments

Prakash Nair (Fielding Nair International):  "Gareth Long is a visionary educator. His quiet leadership and passionate commitment
for reform have been important drivers in the amazing educational transformation now happening in the Cayman Islands. Gareth has a rare talent for bringing together diverse interest groups and getting them to work collaboratively towards a common goal. He has extensive, hands-on experience with worldwide educational best practice and possesses a solid understanding about new paradigm school facilities. These skills have served him well as he plays a key role in ably steering the largest school infrastructure program in the Cayman Islands' history.  

I know of very few professionals I'd rather have on my team than Gareth Long while
navigating the difficult waters of educational change management.   For all his
talent and abilities, Gareth is a remarkably centered human being and a genuine
pleasure to be around. I'm honored to know him as a professional colleague and as a
friend." 

Dave Smith - Director of Facilities:

"In the past 10 years I have directed the planning, design development and construction administration of more than $1 Billion in primary and secondary educational facilities.  During that period of time, I have met some exceptional individuals.  However, I must say that Gareth Long stands far above the rest.  His work for The Cayman Islands Ministry of
Education in the development of the 3 new high schools has been incredible.  He is a man that resolves issues and removes roadblocks. He is truly a Can-Do guy.  Without his ability to bring people together, even in the midst of controversy, our projects would have struggled.  His knowledge of educational facilities, curriculum matters and school operations are the best I have ever had the pleasure to be associated with.  On top of all that, he is a man with practical common sense, a keen wit and a great sense of humor.  My highest and deepest recommendation is extended to him.  The firm or organization that is fortunate enough to partner with Gareth has placed a Winner on their staff!"  David Smith, CCM REFP Director of Facilities Management, Ministry of Education, Cayman Islands Government.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (LEA):

"Working with Gareth has been a real learning curve about the power of being positive and dynamic.  His contribution to the LEA is certainly legendary and recognised by us all as something very special". 

"Gareth you are the master of the possible!" 

OFSTED / HMI

"The Headteacher is a very good leader who has managed the school very effectively .... provides a clear vision, sense of purpose and high aspirations for the school." OFSTED

"This is an effective school making rapid progress”      OFSTED 2004
“The leadership of the Headteacher is very good”       OFSTED 2004
"The leadership of the Headteacher is outstanding”     HMI 2003

GARETH AS A VISITING SPEAKER

"Gareth's session was the highlight of the 3 day residential course - it was very inspiring"     "An excellent contribution that, whilst very  humorous, based all our theory of the past few days firmly into the reality of school leadership"     "There could have been no better speaker to present the last section of this course."   (Delegates from NPQH final sessions)

"Gareth, as a Conference 'Master of Ceremonies', has few equals - he is just so good at it, warm, witty, knowledgeable, focused and personable, whilst also keeping the conference cracking along to comply with progamme times - fantastic!"  (Conference Delegate) 

UK SCHOOL STANDARDS SITE

An example of outstanding practice in changing the community's perception of a school: "Community Perceptions at the centre of Richmond schools' success" is an accurate portrayal about the work done to make the school more attractive to parents.  For more information read: The DfES Standards Site

OTHER MEDIA REFERENCES

Gareth has also been the subject of web blog posts, especially concerning his work in the Cayman Islands and 21st century education in general.