For the second Head in our series, meet Mr Kevin Dobson, Head at Grimsdell Mill Hill Pre-Prep
What inspired you to become a headteacher, and what do you find most fulfilling about the role?
I have been lucky enough to work with some wonderful inspiring headteachers both in the state and independent sectors and this has helped shape my career. The opportunity to lead and direct a school is incredibly motivating. Having the privilege to help guide a staff team to bring out the very best in a group of pupils and to watch children succeed and thrive knowing you have played a part in that is hugely fulfilling.
What was your first year of teaching like, and what was one of the biggest lessons you learned from that experience?
I worked as a Year 5 class teacher in a state primary school in Ealing for the fist two years of my teaching career. I loved every minute and was fortunate enough to work with some excellent teachers, so I learnt a lot from them. My biggest takeaway was the importance of being organised and prepared, I quickly learnt the fundamentals of prioritising my workload to ensure that children were well equipped to access their learning and to make good progress.
How do you ensure the School’s values and vision are reflected in daily activities and interactions?
I believe that our School values underpin everything we do in all aspects of school life. By celebrating kindness, honesty and respect and sharing with others and by providing lots of opportunities for children to demonstrate them, we begin to instil our values from the moment they walk through the gates. Ensuring our staff team role model these qualities is also key in developing children's understanding. What binds all of this together within our community is The Grimsdell Way.
What is a lesson you have learned as a leader that has shaped your approach to education?
The most important lesson I have learned as a leader is to prioritise the children’s best interests when making decisions, ensuring that they are at the heart of the process. This approach typically leads to the right decision being made. Building relationships with all members of the School community is key to understanding differing needs and levels of support within the School. It broadens your perspective therefore enabling more informed decisions.
What are the key priorities for the School over the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Building strong connections with the children and their families, as well as reacquainting myself with the School will be my initial priority. Alongside this, I will be leading the staff team in fostering academic excellence and personal growth, so that our pupils can be the very best versions of themselves, whilst most importantly developing a love of learning. Equipping our pupils with skill that not only prepare them for Belmont and Mill Hill, but lifelong success.
What was your favourite subject when you were in school?
I had a keen interest in Mathematics, and particularly problem solving. But my favourite subject was PE and Games. I have always been very active and have enjoyed taking part in a range of sports. I recognise the importance of having the opportunity to be part of a team and to play competitively within healthy boundaries.
Do you have any personal hobbies or activities that you enjoy after a busy school day?
To set me up for the day ahead, I currently swim a couple of times a week before school. At weekends, I enjoy walks with family in our local woods. In fact, we have recently been volunteering with the woodland management, helping cut back invasive species and keep paths clear, which has been surprisingly therapeutic. Ever since I was young, I have played football and golf, playing semi-professional football for Northwood and Hanwell Town and lowering my handicap to 8. These days, I make the most of every opportunity to enjoy a game of football or golf whenever I can.
