In a recent awards ceremony, a very special member of the community has been recognised for his dedicated voluntary work at Monmouth Comprehensive School by The High Sheriff of Gwent.

Volunteering is a good way to make a positive impact on people’s lives and Gary has even received a certificate from the High Sheriff of Gwent, Helen Mifflin DL, for the recognition of his great and valuable services to the community.

A successful local businessman in a previous life, Gary Jones felt he still had a lot to offer and has been a volunteer within the maths department for over ten years, supporting numerous Year 10 and 11 students to achieve their GCSEs in mathematics and numeracy at Monmouth Comprehensive School.

Each year, Gary has given up his time to work with a small group of students several times a week during their maths lessons, school holidays and even offers early morning sessions on exam days. You can always find Gary in school on GCSE results day, to see how his students have fared in their exams.

Gary provides his students with the confidence and knowledge to be able to successfully tackle their GCSE exams through patience, good humour and determination, as well as arming them with the knowledge they need to succeed.

He gives his students the mindset to never give up and the confidence that they can do it!

Christian Hampshire, deputy headteacher said “We are very lucky to have Gary offer his time so freely, and he has made a significant impact on the lives of many students who have been lucky enough to work with him.” He added “We know that although pleased by this recognition, he strongly affirms his reward is seeing his group of students progress in maths and do their best in their exams”