An exciting new era for Lyonsdown School

Lyonsdown School is pleased to announce that Mr Christopher Hammond has been appointed Headmaster from 1st September 2017.

Christopher joins Lyonsdown with a wealth of educational experience spanning all ages, gained in preparatory and secondary schools, as well as in both co-educational and single-sex environments. He holds a degree in History from the University of York and a PGCE from the University of Bristol.

He comes to Lyonsdown following three years as Deputy Head (Academic) at Maltman’s Green, a girls’ prep school in Buckinghamshire. Prior to this role, Christopher was Deputy Head at Hereward House, a boys’ prep school in Hampstead. During his career he has led a variety of departments including Games, Computing and History and has also been Director of Studies.

Throughout his career, Christopher has successfully developed and led a number of initiatives that have significantly improved the quality of education for pupils. He is particularly proud of his recent work to deliver “Maltman’s Mindset,” developing learning habits that help to prepare children for life in their next school and beyond.

“Christopher brings with him an outstanding breadth of knowledge and experience,” says Andrea Morley, Chair of the Board at Lyonsdown. “We are absolutely delighted that he will be leading our School. He shares our commitment to providing a happy and secure environment where children can thrive. The Board is very much looking forward to working in partnership with Christopher to ensure we continue to provide the best possible education for our children.”

“It is with great pride that I take up the mantle of being Headmaster at Lyonsdown School,” says Christopher. “The School has a longstanding reputation, in Barnet and beyond, for academic excellence and for creating happy, successful lifelong learners. I am delighted to be joining a School that truly values childhood, offering a breadth of experience to all children, from the classroom, through the Music room and Art studio, to sports lessons.

Christopher is a keen sportsman, coaching both football and hockey, as well as playing hockey himself and running. Rather less energetically, he enjoys writing, including penning occasional articles for the Times Educational Supplement, The Guardian and several online publications. He lives in North London with his partner, Sharita, who is also a teacher.

Christopher concludes, “I am honoured to be joining the Lyonsdown community and I am looking forward to leading the School into the next exciting chapter of its history, delivering excellence and providing the supportive environment that enables every single one of our pupils to explore their potential and develop into the best they can be.”