The Uplands Executive team and Board of Directors are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care from January 2023. During a meticulous process which shortlisted several élite level performers from many well-known schools countrywide, the perfect candidate was selected to fulfil this critical role which will enhance the robust Uplands College leadership structure.
Mark Blew, currently completing his PhD in Educational Leadership, with his dissertation on boarding specifically, is equipped to offer Uplands a vast skill set that will align the already outstanding boarding offering at the school with the leading schools of Africa. He completed his Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2018 and his Honours from the University of Pretoria in Educational Management, Law and Policy. His initial studies encompassed a BCom in Business Management. He spent two years as a lecturer in an Honours programme at the University of Pretoria.
His deep commitment to the development of boarding as a safe and nurturing space where pupils develop a sense of belonging and establish lifetime friendships and values is evident. With over seventeen years of experience as a boarding master in South Africa and in the United Kingdom at the renowned Stowe School, Mark has the desire to perpetuate change in individuals to become positive members of society. The richly rewarding journey of his current Doctoral studies with a specific interest in Boarding systems, and the development of an effective culture in which all pupils can thrive, is an ethos that resonates at Uplands and the mission of the school.
Mark, his wife Gemma and their two young children will be relocating from Michaelhouse in the KZN Midlands during December. He is passionate about the Kruger National Park and looks forward to establishing a Conservation Society at Uplands (he currently runs one which is vastly popular with his students).
“He is excited to get to know the community and to step into the school with fresh eyes. The future of Uplands College and boarding specifically looks bright, considering the area is attracting such incredible talent. Uplands believes in the value of their people and emphasises the ongoing upliftment and development of the team as a core value. Mark Blew is a wonderful addition to this team and will add immeasurable learning to our community.” – Greg Dane: Chairman, Uplands Board of Directors.