Harrow Beijing is welcoming the incoming new Head

From 3 to 12 April, the new Head, Mr Philip Akerman, visited Harrow Beijing and had in-depth communication and interaction with our management teams, teachers, students and parents as part of his transition into the school. Mr Akerman was able to gain a thorough understanding of Harrow Beijing and is incredibly excited to join the team over the summer.

Meet with the New Head: Mr Philip Akerman

1.What made you choose education industry for career development from the very beginning?

Mr Akerman：

I graduated in 2001 with a first class degree in Chemistry, and whilst I had clear routes into either research or industry, I had developed a real passion for working with young people. Throughout my time at university, I had volunteered as a children and youth leader, and this enabled me to see a career in education which would allow me to combine my love of science with the opportunity to develop children and young people, which is very satisfying.

2.Why did you decide to come to China to lead a school as a Head?

Mr Akerman：

I became the headteacher of my current school as I wanted to make a real difference to the lives of the children and families in my community in London. I am pleased with the work we have done together in London; we are now the most popular school in our area because of the strong reputation we have for excellence in education. I have built a strong leadership team who can now continue that work. After 11 years at my school, it is time for a new professional challenge. Leading a school in Beijing represents that new challenge for me professionally. China specifically excites me, as it is such a dynamic place with a rich culture; the Chinese people I met also have such high aspirations which deeply impresses me. Harrow Beijing has strong foundations and superb resources. This mixture of high aspirations, strong foundations and access to top resources means there is huge potential to be a world leading educational institution.

3.What experiences, hobbies, or any programmes you’ve been involved in have deeply influenced you as an educator?

Mr Akerman：

Spending a year studying at the University of Freiburg, Germany was a formative experience for me. Not only was it fascinating in learning a new language and being part of a different culture, I was lucky enough to work with a very demanding professor who challenged me to be the best I could be. Whilst it was uncomfortable at first, I made huge progress quickly and this showed me that with hard work and dedication, huge growth and development is possible. This experience gave me the confidence to apply for a government accelerated leadership programme called ‘Fast Track Teaching’ in 2002. This programme combined high quality teacher training (PGCE) with a two-year leadership development programme. This programme stretched and challenged me and caused me to see the potential to further improve the schools I was working within.

4.As a father and educator, what are some of the educational philosophies you follow?

Mr Akerman：

My children are hugely important to me.  Like all parents, I want my children to realise their full potential, to be the best they can be… but also to be happy and confident in what they do. As a father, I seek to watch them closely, so I can see their unique strengths, to support and to challenge them. Sometimes this involves being patient and encouraging gently, whilst at other times it involves guiding or pushing them into new experiences so they can develop a way of seeing the world. I take deep pride in seeing them grow and develop, and my hope is this will enable them to become leaders in the future. There is a special bond between parents and children, and this has given me a renewed appreciation and sense of responsibility as an educator. I understand each child at Harrow Beijing is a son or daughter and that we have a special role in supporting families to develop their children.  I consider this a great honour.

It is an exciting time for Harrow Beijing as we welcome our new incoming Head, Mr Philip Akerman, and we look forward to him joining us in this August and starting a new chapter with Harrow Beijing ahead.