Henry Marshall, Head Master of St.Michael’s, on life, learning and legacy
When you meet Henry Marshall, Head Master of St Michael’s Preparatory School, it’s immediately clear why pupils and parents alike speak so highly of him. Down-to-earth, thoughtful, and energetic, he leads with a blend of warmth and purpose that perfectly reflects the school’s ethos. Since joining St Michael’s two years ago, Henry has embraced island life with enthusiasm, from early morning runs with his spaniel Otto to championing the values of curiosity, community, and character that define the school. With a background that spans two decades in education and a career shaped by mentors, sport, and a deep respect for childhood itself, his approach is simple yet powerful: every decision begins with one question, what is best for the children?
Henry shares a glimpse behind the headmaster’s desk, from favourite books and memorable advice to why he believes success starts with happiness.
After a demanding school day, what’s your go-to way to unwind?
I’m not someone who enjoys being stuck behind a desk for too long, any opportunity to get out of the office and around the school is always very welcome. I love being outdoors and make the most of any chance for fresh air and exercise. Walking and running with our spaniel, Otto, are particular favourites of mine.
If we peeked at your bookshelf or opened your playlist, what might surprise us?
I’m not sure there are many surprises, but on my bookshelves you’ll find everything from James Herriot, Bill Bryson, Tim Marshall and Ben Macintyre to a selection of sporting biographies. As for my playlist, that’s an easy one, it’s mostly James Blunt and the Stereophonics on repeat!
As a newcomer to Jersey, what are you enjoying most about island life?
Being part of a close-knit island community with such a fascinating history is something really special. The outdoor lifestyle is a huge bonus too.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, inside or outside the classroom?
Inside – “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Outside – Years ago, I got a tip-off about a greyhound called Black Ruby. As a student, putting £50 on a dog was a big gamble – and watching the race unfold on Ceefax made it all the more nerve-racking. Thankfully, Black Ruby came through and it turned out to be a very good day indeed!
If you weren’t a headmaster, what other career might have tempted you?
I had hoped to become a Royal Marine, but when that didn’t work out, I found my way into teaching, completing my PGCE straight after university.
Favourite meal and drink?
Tough one! First thing that comes to mind is steak and kidney pie and a pint of Guinness. WWW.GALLERY.JE 43 PEOPLE
What was the first job you ever had and what did it teach you?
During the summer holidays, a group of school friends and I returned to our old school to work alongside the maintenance and grounds teams. It was great fun being trusted with all sorts of machinery, and gave me a great respect for those who keep a school running behind the scenes. The tea and lunch breaks were just as memorable, filled with stories from the men about their younger days and our first introduction to “POETS Day” at the end of the week!
What are some of your most vivid memories from your own school days?
I absolutely loved my school days, there are far too many great memories to list. I was really lucky to have a brilliant group of friends and some fantastic teachers who were genuine role models. They taught me values that have stuck with me ever since and looking back, they’re probably a big part of why I ended up in teaching.
Who was the teacher or mentor who left the greatest mark on you as a student, and why?
Three stand out, but it is a man called Keven Johnstone who undoubtedly left the greatest mark. I first came across him on the sports pitches as a young boy. He was an excellent sportsman himself but knew how to get the best of children through his coaching. Years later he became my housemaster, he took a genuine interest in all of the boys and instilled a trust and confidence in me that served me well through my school days and beyond. Sadly, he died from a brain tumour last year, the church couldn’t hold all of the former pupils who came to pay their respects – a great role model.
You began your career in the UK, what first drew you to Jersey?
I have got to know St Michael’s well over several years through the strong sporting relationship that has developed between St Michael’s and my previous school. During that time, I have always been impressed by St Michael’s, its ethos, talented pupils, and dedicated staff. So, when the position of Head was advertised, I was very quick to put my application in!! Since joining St Michael’s two years ago, every member of the school community has been incredibly welcoming, making the move for my whole family a smooth and enjoyable one.
Did you always envision yourself as a headmaster, or was there a pivotal moment when you knew it was your calling?
I have always been ambitious and once I started teaching I always felt that becoming a headmaster was something that I could one day achieve.
Having started off as geography teacher twenty years ago I have been very lucky in taking on roles and responsibilities from Head of Department, taking on numerous sporting teams, running boarding houses, taking on safeguarding roles, leading pastoral care, becoming an ISI inspector, a Deputy Head for eight years and then a Headmaster. I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside some brilliant colleagues and mentors, over the years, whose guidance and advice have been instrumental.
Your school is renowned for its excellence. What core philosophy guides your leadership and decision-making?
At the heart of my leadership is a child-centred philosophy. Every decision I make begins with one simple question: “What is best for the children?”
Schools exist first and foremost for the children in their care and I believe that if we get it right for the children, if they feel known, valued, challenged, and supported, then everything else follows naturally.
My role is to create an environment where every child can thrive: academically, socially, and emotionally. Ultimately, schools flourish when children are at the centre of every conversation and every decision.
What does true success look like for a headmaster in today’s rapidly changing world?
It is somewhat of a juggling act! Schools are busy communities and the challenge is to try and bring all parties with you on the journey. Ultimately, it has to be happy children, who have enjoyed and thrived during their time at St Michael’s and will hopefully look back fondly on their time here.
What role should schools play in shaping not only scholars, but leaders of character?
Academic success is important, but education is about far more than exam results, it’s about helping young people discover who they are, what they stand for and how they can make a positive contribution to the world around them. At St Michael’s, our values of consideration, challenge, curiosity and community lie at the heart of everything we do. They guide us in developing the whole child, nurturing not just knowledge, but also character and confidence. Our aim is that every pupil leaves St Michael’s equipped with the skills, self-belief and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing modern world.
What do you believe your school does particularly well?
Ensuring that St Michael’s is a place of happiness and smiles that focuses on developing the whole child. We are a non selective school but we regularly send children on to some of the most selective schools here in Jersey and across the UK. That says a lot about both our teaching and our pastoral care. But beyond results, what we do best is help children discover who they are. Whether their passion is engineering, drama, art, sport, music or outdoor learning there is space here to explore it. The character of our pupils shines through: they are considerate, curious and enjoy challenge.
What is a lesson you’ve learned from a student that has stayed with you?
I’m not sure I can pinpoint a single lesson, but I’ve learned never to underestimate what children are capable of.
I always find that the last few years of prep school, Years 7 & 8 are when they flourish and benefit from being at the top of a school and the kudos, experiences and responsibilities that come their way as a result.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self when you first became headmaster, what would it be?
Enjoy it. Schools are built on people and the daily interactions with pupils, staff and parents are what make the role so rewarding. Being a Head and working in education is a huge privilege, you get to shape lives, guide a community and hopefully make a difference.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind when your chapter as headmaster is written?
I’d like to think I’d leave the school stronger than when I found it. If pupils, years later, still look back on their time with fond memories, feeling that St Michael’s helped shape who they are, then I’d consider that a strong legacy…
