Mark Hall

Mark has led Grace College since April 2019 when the school joined ESF. He has extensive international educational experience having worked in schools in South Africa, London and Norwich before moving to Gateshead, as Vice Principal, Emmanuel College in January 2008. After school he studied towards a Bachelor of Science degree and completed his PGCE at the University of the Witwatersrand. Later postgraduate studies saw him further his interest in the environment undertaking a degree in Environmental Management at the University of Johannesburg.

Mark’s commitment to education is borne out of a desire to see young people flourish. To thrive young people, need to grow in character as they establish strong relationships and explore questions of purpose and meaning. Knowing who they are and not merely what they can do is at the heart of growing up. By making this a central aim he asserts that schools can, and should, make a significant impact in their wider community fostering spiritual, cultural and economic growth.

His current professional interests include building community in and through schools and educational initiatives in character education and learning beyond the classroom. The extent to which students engage with all a school has to offer is linked to their overall wellbeing and sense of community. Every student should consider doing something co-curricular; on the sports field, through drama or through music or elsewhere!

Mark is married with two grown-up daughters. As a family they are proud of their South African roots but have a deep love for the North East considering themselves adopted Geordies! His abiding interest in all things to do with nature and conservation often take him out onto the fells of Northumberland or the Lakes District. As a keen participant in sport you are likely to see him rowing on the Tyne or out cycling.