School Description
We are hosting socially distanced one-to-one tours for Bridge Nursery, The Stables Nursery, Ashford Prep School (and Nursery) and Ashford Senior School.
As a highly experienced leader in the independent schools’ sector, Michael Hall joined Ashford School in August 2018, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Previously, he spent almost eight years as Head of Bedford Modern School in what was a very successful period of growth.
His career includes significant experience in co-educational, all-through education, as well as both day and boarding settings. He studied economics as an undergraduate at the University of Liverpool before training as a teacher and completing a Master’s degree in Educational Management.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
My inspiration is not what you might expect, as it was from a less than positive experience.
I attended a boys grammar school in the 1980s amid industrial action which adversely affected my education (especially the co-curricular offering). I was convinced that there had to be a better way and that a broad and balanced education should be about optimising potential - my mission has always been to achieve this in the schools which I have led.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
The pandemic tested everyone in many different ways. Schools had to react very quickly to the challenging times; as a technologically innovative school, we had previously adopted the Microsoft Teams platform for all our teachers, 9 months prior to the outbreak of Covid – this meant we did not miss a beat moving to online learning. As Head, I had to encourage and support staff to go beyond their comfort zones, but what the School achieved, and the community spirit that was maintained during this time, makes me immensely proud. These last 18 months have been phenomenal and actually provided us with a springboard for future success.
What does a successful school look like to you?
I often use the line with my students: qualifications will secure you the interview, but not the job. Success is ultimately about developing young adults who you would want to employ. Yes, we aim for the best qualifications for each student, but I also look for my students to have refined emotional intelligence with the social skills to benefit all those around them.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
Humility – in its purest sense, it demonstrates deep self-awareness and empathy with those with whom we engage.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
Calm, caring, respect, humility, opportunity.
This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.
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