T H E H E A D

Since 2019, Mark Semmence, previously head of Mount Kelly. An economist with degrees from Durham (BA and MBA), London (PGCE) and Warwick (MA). Played cricket for England Schools U19 and Durham University; a member of MCC Youth Cricket Committee. In fact, it was a cricket match that ‘changed my life’. Having been all geared up for law school he found himself unexpectedly pulled aside in his cricket whites and asked on the spot if he’d like to join the Argentinian Cricket Association –a dream come true. ‘But what will you do when you get back before starting law school?’ came a voice from behind. ‘You could always come and help out with the cricket at Ludgrove!’ Which is exactly what he did, staying for another term, then another, until law became a distant memory Left for a stint in international sports marketing (and still can’t resist a catchy phrase, telling us for example that Repton is ‘grounded, rounded and unbounded in aspiration’) before doing his PGCE Thence to Rugby, where he longed to become housemaster but wound up bagging the even more sought-after role of assistant head, before moving to Mount Kelly for five years Perhaps, having grown up in Hurstpierpoint College, it was always to be –‘education is in the blood,’ he agrees

His oak-panelled study is so orderly that we mistook it for a meeting room The irony amused him as he’d recently made his predecessor’s study –which incorporates the original 1400s tower –just that ‘I moved because there were just too many doors to get through to reach it’ ‘That figures,’ reckoned a student, ‘he’s very present –a big change for us’ They told us he’s ‘interested’ and ‘very open to criticism’, though he doesn’t teach Softly spoken, but don’t let that fool you –this is a dynamo of a man who has wasted no time in sharpening and refining and he is leaving no stone unturned Includes the creation of an all-through school (main local feeder has now become Repton Prep), an injection of new blood in the teaching staff, using data more effectively for tracking and monitoring, a boost to university support and more one-toones to help pupils make the right subject choices Big push on widening curriculum, with sixth formers now able to access courses on eg introduction to economics, personal finance, geopolitics and public speaking ‘which doesn’t come naturally to most people but is such an important skill’ Has also recruited a new wellbeing manager and promises a much, much greater focus on swimming (remember, he came from Mount Kelly) ‘Very much the businessman’, ‘great at communications’, ‘refreshingly honest, especially in Covid’, say parents

Still finds time to play cricket, among other sports, with other interests including art and architecture, travel, food and business

Married to Alison, who helps out at the prep and teaches in a local primary school They have two young daughters, both at the prep