Episode 11 — In conversation with Mark Becher, Head at The Compass School, Haddington.

I've known Mark for over 20 years through my work publishing the Nursery and School Guide Magazine, and he is exactly what you'd hope for in an independent school head: warm, approachable, and deeply committed to the children. Mark has led The Compass School for nearly 30 years, and that wealth of experience shines through in everything we discuss.

You'll hear just how passionate he is about the school, a place he describes as a family. With a maximum of around 150 pupils, Mark shares the real benefits of a small school: the opportunities every child gets to take part, the close bond they form with the school and with one another, and the sense that no one gets lost in the crowd.

We also talk about his journey through a range of teaching roles into leadership, and the school's award-winning intergenerational programme, exploring how it's woven into the whole community.

What comes through most is how enriched school life is at The Compass School, and how genuinely welcoming Mark is, a warmth the whole school embodies. Past pupils also frequently come back to visit.

Their September open day has now passed, but Mark is clear: parents are welcome to visit at any time. In fact, a private tour often shows you as much, if not more, than a formal open day event.

More details of The Compass School Haddington can be found at: https://www.thecompassschool.co.uk/

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