Wealden Times | WT245 | October 2022 | Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement inside

Education
Meet the Head
We get to know a bit more about the brand new Head
of Sutton Valence Prep School, Mr Mark Scholey
What are you most looking
forward to about joining SVPS?
As I join SVPS, I am especially looking
forward to meeting and really getting
to know the pupils and families here.
I am eager to be part of such a special
community and set the best possible
example for the children as they
progress on their educational journeys.
What will the greatest
challenges be?
Being my first headship, the range of
the portfolio of a head is broad and I
appreciate that this will come with a
number of challenges. However, I am
optimistic that in such a supportive
community, these will be overcome.
Other challenges set to feature strongly
are the cost of living and sustainability.
Tell us about your roles outside
the sphere of education and
how they influence your work.
Being a son, a brother, a husband
and a father really helps me to keep
perspective on work. As well as this,
being a hockey coach means that I also
witness the importance of passion and
kindness regularly, both of which are
required when working in education.
What made you want to
work in education?
I have always thought that children
think and say the funniest things, and
often see things from a perspective that
would benefit many adults. I believe
that there is no greater responsibility
than educating future generations and I
take great pride in being a part of this.
Tell us about a favourite school
teacher or school memory.
My former headmaster seemed to
know and value every pupil in his
charge. Whilst I was receiving an
award for sport in my final assembly
at school aged 18, he discreetly
reminded me of how far I had
come since our first lunch when
I had eaten spaghetti bolognese
rather messily in front of him!
Where are you looking forward
to exploring in the local area?
At SVPS, we have a house system
based on some of the castles of Kent.
I have had the pleasure of visiting
Hever, Bodiam and Rochester with my
family. But I am yet to get to Leeds,
ironically the closest castle to SVPS.
Apparently, we have a school trip this
term and I have duly signed up!
How do you relax outside work?
I play a lot of sports: running, cycling
and swimming mostly. I like cooking
and pottering (do other languages
have the same concept I always
wonder?) around the garden. I also
like to relax by reading and listening
to podcasts and audiobooks.
Tell us about a favourite
book or podcast.
My favourite podcast at the moment
is ‘No such thing as a fish’. Each
week, the panel pick four favourite
facts and then discuss them, blending
science, the arts and no little humour
in the process. They also sometimes
have guest presenters, recently
including Malcolm Gladwell, who
is one of my favourite authors.
svs.org.uk
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