Meet Our New Deputy Head Academic: Michael Thompson

With a PhD in physics, years of teaching experience, and more than a decade leading the International Baccalaureate at Bromsgrove, Michael joins Bancroft’s as our new Deputy Head Academic.

His broad experiences in research, politics, and even a stint in a grunge band up until last year, give him a unique perspective. But what comes through most clearly is his warmth, his humour, and his commitment to putting pupils first.

We sat down with Michael to hear about his journey, his advice for pupils, and his first impressions of the Bancroft’s community.

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey before joining Bancroft’s?

Well, after my degree in physics at Manchester, I stayed on to do a PhD in vibrational and rotational quantum states of acetylenic molecules, which was wonderful. Then I did a year’s postdoc developing spectroscopic techniques for gas trace analysis.

I decided I wanted to be a teacher and first started in the state sector. I moved to Bromsgrove School where I was Head of Physics, then Head of Science, and for the last 13 years, Director of the International Baccalaureate. That was a fantastic experience, shaping the academic journey of students in such a broad and rigorous programme.

And this is your first role as Deputy Head Academic – what excites you about it, and what are your first impressions of the Bancroft’s community?

It’s such a great opportunity to support students in the way I think contemporary pupils should be supported. I’ve always been an out-and-out believer in academia.To be able to have the chance to put that into practice here, alongside working with such a capable and dedicated team, is something I feel very fortunate about.

My first impressions… when I came for interview, I drove home thinking, ‘I really want to work there.’

Everyone was so friendly, and what struck me most was that the pupils were absolutely at the centre of everything. That’s continued since I started: it’s a very warm, family-orientated community, and at the same time unapologetically academic for all the right reasons. I love that combination.

Do you agree that a balance between academic studies and co curricular activities is important?

There wasn’t really a co-curricular programme when I went to school, which is why I think it’s so important now. I’d also say you shouldn’t always funnel the things you enjoy through academia. For me, music was that outlet.

I was in a rock band before I came into teaching, and I still love playing the guitar. But I remember doing one grade exam for it and hating it – it ruined the joy of playing! Sometimes you just need something you do purely for yourself, outside of assessment.

School of Rock!

How would you describe your day-to-day work as Deputy Head Academic?

My role is to make sure the academic side of the school is running in the best interests of the students. That means checking that the curriculum works all the way through from Key Stage 3 to 5, making sure students are on the right courses, offering good advice about their futures, and supporting colleagues too.

Some days it’s meetings about curriculum design, open evenings, or careers advice; other days it’s helping with parental concerns or student choices. And I still get to do some teaching, which I really enjoy.

What do you see as the biggest challenges in this role?

The hardest thing is giving advice that’s in someone’s best interests, even when it’s not what they want to hear. It’s very easy to say, ‘reach for the stars, you can do anything,’ but the reality is you can’t do everything.

The challenge is helping students and sometimes colleagues, find the track where they will genuinely thrive. That can mean difficult conversations, but they’re important ones.

To finish, if you could give pupils any advice, what would it be?

Do little things frequently, consistency is everything. Ignore the glossy study hacks on YouTube; just do the work, steadily and regularly. Be kind to yourself, and accept that not everything will be enjoyable. That doesn’t mean it’s going wrong, it’s just part of life.

I’d also say: say yes to a few new things. You’ll be surprised what you can fit into 24 hours. Some of the best things in my life came from saying yes to something small and unexpected.

And honestly? Get off your phone. Open your eyes, look around, walk around, listen to some rock and roll. That’s where the real learning and living happens!

Thank you, Michael, for taking the time to speak with us. We’re excited to welcome you to the Bancroft’s community and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will have on our pupils.