News | Education


downsmail.co.uk Headship ‘is a real privilege’


THE Malling School’s new head teacher, John Vennart, has started work in earnest, with three goals inmind – pupil behaviour, studentwell-being and academic improvement.


John (41) took over officially at the


beginning of September, as hispred- ecessor Carl Roberts headed off to Dubai for the next challenge of his career. But he does sowith a certain sad-


ness. The loss of John’s brother – his


“bestmate” –meant he was unable to share the pride and sense of achievement at landing a difficult but rewarding position inKent edu- cation. Sam, an officerwith theMetropol-


itan Police, died a couple of years ago, aged 35, after succumbing to cancer of the colon. As boys, they shareda bedroomat


their home in Exeter,Devon. John said: “Hewasmy bestmate.


His death made me look at life dif- ferently. The way he dealt with his illness and the bravery and courage he showed throughout has been an inspiration tome. “I can’t say he inspired me to


apply for this job, but what he did do was make me realise that you should take the opportunities that are given to you andnotwaste time. “I wish he’d been around when I


went for this job so we could have talked about it.” John, the son of an ExeterUniver-


sity lecturer father and nurse mother, went to a non-selective


school in his home city (there are no grammars inDevon) andtook an In- ternational Baccalaureate (IB) at a local college before studying biology at YorkUniversity. He started his teaching career at


Mascalls Academy, in Paddock Wood, in 2000 as a newly-qualified teacher and had worked his way through the ranks todeputyheadby the time he landed the job at The Malling School earlier this year. He said: “I got promoted pretty


quickly, every couple of years or so. I neverwent for anything just for the title, it had to be the right job.”


Asked if he is ambitious, John


repliedcautiously: “Yes, I think I am. I love to see improvement in a school, that iswhatmotivatesme. “Before I came to The Malling


School I was daunted, of course. I think that if youweren’t, you prob- ablywouldn’t be taking the role se- riously. “But since I have started here, I


have absolutely loved it. I can’twait to come intowork.” John lives in Leybourne with his


Dublin-born wife Leah, also a teacher, and their four children – two boys and two girls aged from


three to 10. Growing up in Devon, he developed a passion for surfing and kayaking, although the all-con- suming demands of running a big schoolwillmake heavydemands on his free time and family life. His predecessor Carl Roberts


hauledthe schoolupfromone of the least popular schools in Kent 10 years ago to the area’s most re- quested by parents with a consis- tently goodOfsted rating. John added carefully: “It’s a big


job andI knowtherewill be a lotde- mands onmyself andmy family. “What Iwill concentrate on is im-


provement in behaviour for learn- ing, student well-being – that is, mental health and happiness – and academic improvement.” He plans to “build learning


habits” at an earlier age, rather than placing undue pressure on year 11, when exams are looming. John, who intends to be a visible


presence in the school, spoke as some head teachers planned to march on Downing Street to com- plain about funding cuts. Askedif hewouldjoin them, John


responded firmly: “No. For me, I feel privileged to be given this posi- tion as the head teacher. “My firstpriority is to be visible in


this school and seewhat is going on in the classrooms.”


MP invites pupils to Parliament


PUPILS at The Malling School scooped an interview with MP Tom Tugendhat. Members of the East Malling


Carlmoves on STAFF at The Malling School gave a fond farewell to outgo- ing headmaster Carl Roberts, who is heading to Dubai. Chair of governors Mike


Perry thanked Mr Roberts for his determination and hard work to transform the school over 10 years, and deputy head Paul Williams shared memo- ries of his time at the school. Mr Roberts (pictured) said:


“I have looked forward to com- ing to school every single day and shall be following the school from my new home 4,000miles away.”


6 Malling October 2018


school’s journalismclubwere invited to meet their local politician during a visit to the school. Mr Tugendhat was grilled on his


life as an MP by Kamleish Chock- alingum-Jones, Connor Kennedy, George Bennett and EboniGladdish (pictured right). The chairman of the Foreign Af-


fairs Select Committee was so im- pressed that he invited them all – along with the school’s debate club – to visit the House of Commons. Kamleish said: “Mr Tugendhatwas


very nice and he answered all our questions. I cannot believe he in- vited us to Parliament!” The MP also surprised pupil


Aaliyah Kennedy, who is campaign- ing to lower the speed limit along the New Road. He told her: “I am very impressed with your campaign


and would like to invite you to do some work experience at the House of Commons.” Aaliyahwill also be spending time


with Kent county councillor Trudy Dean, who was so impressed with her dogged campaign that she in- vited her to do work experience in


her office this October half term. Headteacher Mr Vennart said:


“This is a great opportunity for our pupils. It is so important for themto gain experience in the real world. Extra-curricular clubs like journalism and debating can really open doors for young people.”


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