Introducing Our New Headmaster, Mr Mark Hammond

Published by Northbourne Park School on Tuesday 5th of September 2023

The Northbourne Park community are delighted to introduce our new Headmaster, Mr Mark Hammond.

Mark is an experienced head teacher of three IAPS 13 Prep schools, having previously worked in British Curriculum international schools overseas.

Mark is originally a local boy from the Canterbury area, having attended Grammar School and then going on to read English at Manchester University. He started teaching English as a Foreign Language, training and working with Pilgrims Ltd in Canterbury and teaching in Slovakia, Spain and Germany.

Mark then returned to the UK to study for his PGCE at Homerton College, Cambridge, returning overseas to teach in Italy, The Netherlands. Germany and Switzerland. Mark and his wife, Sarah, worked at the Junior King’s School in Canterbury, where they ran a boarding house together.

In addition to headship, Mark has held numerous positions in a wide variety of schools, including Designated Safeguarding Lead, SENCo and Boarding House Parent. He gained his Masters in Education in 2008 and has served as a District Chairman for IAPS. He remains passionate about teaching and continues to work directly with the young people in his care.

Mark has been a Team Inspector for the Independent School’s Inspectorate since 2018, a governor for a Church of England School since 2022 and qualified as a Level 7 Executive Coach in 2023, providing mentoring and coaching for new heads and senior leaders.

 "I am genuinely excited to serve the Northbourne Park community. Throughout the selection process I have been deeply impressed by the school; it was evident from my interactions with pupils, staff and Governors that the school really is a magical place. Northbourne’s special heritage is both deeply rooted and highly relevant. Never has it been more important to value, cherish and nurture our natural environment, maintain an open, global mindset and enable young people to develop creativity, compassion and curiosity in learning. I am very much looking forward to working with the whole community during the next chapter of the school’s history as we embrace the future, building upon the school’s special ethos and strong traditions."

We are all looking forward to an exciting term and academic year ahead!