Repton School has announced the appointment of Mr Mark Semmence as the school’s 36th Headmaster.
Mark Semmence succeeds Mr Alastair Land, who leaves Repton in March 2019 to take up the headship of Harrow School.
He is currently the headmaster of Mount Kelly, a position he has held since September 2014. Creating a single, strong Foundation from three former schools, he has led an academic reform programme, and revitalised the extra-curricular life of the school. All of this has yielded a significant increase in pupil numbers, enabling a comprehensive programme of improvement in the school’s infrastructure.
Prior to his appointment at Mount Kelly, Mark spent seven years at Rugby School where he was assistant headmaster, taught economics and ran the cricket.
He was educated at Hurstpierpoint College and at Durham (BA and MBA), Warwick (MA) and London (PGCE) Universities. Before his teaching career, he enjoyed a successful decade in the international sports marketing sector, working in London, New York and Dubai. He is a member of the HMC Sports Committee as well as being the MCC Mentor for Durham University Cricket Club.
Sir Henry Every Bt, chairman of the Board of Governors, commented: “We are delighted that Mark Semmence will be joining Repton School. With his proven track record at Mount Kelly and at Rugby School we believe we have found an inspiring and forward-thinking leader. With his strong operational management skills and his proven success in effective people and financial management, the Governors are confident Mark Semmence will make a significant long term contribution to the Repton Schools. ”
Mark said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to become Repton’s 36th headmaster. Repton is a very special school with an illustrious history and a deserved reputation for innovation and excellence, and I am looking forward to working with and serving the school community over the years to come. From our first visit, Alison and I were struck by the warmth of everyone we met and we are tremendously excited to be joining the Repton family.”
Mark will take up his position at the school in April 2019 joined by his wife, Alison, and their two young daughters.