Mylnhurst Preparatory School: meet the new headmaster and hear his hopes for primary education in Sheffield

Newly appointed as head at Ecclesall’s Mylnhurst Preparatory School and Nursery, Michael firmly believes that the first five years of a child’s life are crucial to their development and education. His hopes for their future success extends beyond the formalities of academic lessons and he’s a keen advocate of holistic approaches to learning.

“I want children to leave Mylnhurst as better human beings,” he explained. “I want them to develop socially as well as academically and to have vital life chances.”

With his own early experiences of school being less than positive, the South African-born teacher knows first-hand the impact that education, good or bad, can have on young people.

Michael’s career has included roles at a state comprehensive school in London as well as a headship at a Newcastle-based prep school and he has been working with his new colleagues since last spring to ensure a smooth transition.

Staff at Mylnhurst include several whose children attended the school and some were even pupils there themselves. Describing the workforce as very settled and stable, Michael said he was immediately struck by the fantastic relationships between staff and pupils.

Although a Catholic school, Mylnhurst is open to all children aged three to 11, irrespective of faith and Michael himself is not Catholic. School life is based on values which include inspiring young children to learn, interestingly backed up by the cognitive science and teaching children how they can actually do it. Mylnhurst is a school firmly rooted in its traditions but with a modern and forward-looking approach to education.

“I don’t believe you can make children learn, you have to inspire them and also help them understand how to learn which is where research and science are important,” he said.

Children at Mylnhurst won’t be the only ones to benefit from the school’s ethos, facilities and resources as the new head believes that links with the wider community and other local schools can bring huge mutual benefits.

In his previous positions, he has taught science in state schools that didn’t have their own science teachers or resources and invited state school pupils to language and sporting master classes. He now hopes to establish similar connections in and around Sheffield and sees working with other schools as a highly worthwhile two-way relationship.

“The whole point is to participate together and give all young people a chance to meet different people and have new experiences,” he said.

Away from the classroom, Michael lives with his wife Babitah and two `highly-strung’ Border Collies. “Moving to Sheffield has been a revelation,” he said. “We love being active and are thoroughly enjoying exploring the natural beauty this area offers.”

To find out more about Mylnhurst or to arrange a visit, see www.mylnhurst.co.uk/private-tour, call 0114 236 1411 or email [email protected]