Meet Mark Howells: Our New Head of Pupil Potential
Every school is shaped by the people who join it, and this term we’ve welcomed Mark Howells as our new Head of Pupil Potential, already a friendly and enthusiastic presence around Bancroft’s.
With a career that’s taken him from classrooms in London to international schools in Bahrain, via investment banking and even the law courts, Mark brings a fascinating mix of experiences. Most importantly, he brings a genuine passion for helping young people work out where their strengths lie and how to take their next steps with confidence.
First of all, welcome! What have been your initial impressions of Bancroft’s?
My first impressions are incredibly positive. The community here is warm, open, and welcoming. I’ve been really impressed by how bright, ambitious, and dedicated the pupils are, while also being extremely personable. The staff are equally supportive and genuinely committed to helping pupils reach their full potential.
Could you tell us a bit about your career journey?
My career has been quite a “squiggle,” so not a straight line. I started with a master’s in engineering, then joined Teach First, teaching in an inner-city school in London. After that, I explored investment banking and later returned to teaching internationally in Bahrain as Head of Physics and Joint Head of Science.
I’ve always enjoyed supporting students in exploring their options and making informed, positive decisions.
Back in the UK, I taught in independent schools in London and the North, taking on responsibilities for careers guidance along the way. I also completed a law degree and trained as a barrister before returning to my true passion: education.
Each experience taught me something new about industries, professional skills, and, most importantly, about helping young people find their path.
As Head of Pupil Potential, what do you see as your main focus?
My role is all about helping pupils make good decisions for their futures.
I work with the whole school, not just Sixth Form, to help students understand themselves, explore industries, and consider the skills they’ll need to flourish. It’s about combining academic knowledge with soft skills like communication, resilience, and self-awareness. One of my aims is to introduce careers guidance earlier in the school, helping younger pupils think critically about their strengths and interests.
AI is obviously reshaping education and careers. What matters most for pupils when applying for courses or jobs?
AI is a powerful tool, and pupils will need to navigate it both in university applications and future workplaces.
I would advise that genuine reflection and passion can’t be replaced by AI. Pupils need to focus on their personal experiences, learning, and development. How they present the narrative of their journey is most important, and the authenticity will shine through in applications and interviews.
For those unsure of their path, how can they start exploring their interests with confidence?
Exploring your interests is a journey, and it’s completely normal not to have everything figured out from the start. Pupils should always keep an open mind and focus on discovering what they enjoy and what suits their strengths. The definition of success is not universal or static; flexibility and self-awareness are key skills for life.
What’s the most rewarding part of supporting pupils in this role?
It definitely is seeing students make confident decisions about their next steps. Whether it’s university, apprenticeships, or their first career move, it’s incredibly satisfying to support them through the process, and help them feel prepared about their futures.
We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us, Mark.
Welcome to the Bancroft’s community!
