This September, we’re excited to welcome Mr Kenmir as our new Head of Middle School & Deputy DSL. He brings with him a wealth of pastoral and teaching experience, along with a shared commitment to ensuring that pupils feel supported and valued throughout their school journey — and confident in pursuing their future aspirations. Read on to discover more about his approach to education, his experience, and what he hopes to bring to his new role.
Educational Philosophy
At the heart of his educational philosophy are three simple but powerful values: work hard, play hard, and be kind. He explains – “These aren’t just slogans. They’re a way of life. If pupils embrace them, they’ll not only find success, but more importantly, happiness.”
- Work hard: I’m especially looking forward to celebrating academic effort in all its forms—whether it’s the quiet determination of pupils revising for exams, the persistence needed to tackle a tricky maths problem, or the creativity involved in crafting a thoughtful essay. Learning isn’t always easy—but it’s often in those moments of challenge that the most meaningful growth happens. That’s why resilience matters. Earlier this year, TV personality Jamie Laing ran five ultra-marathons in five days—over 150 miles from London to Manchester for Comic Relief. He didn’t break any records or finish first, but that wasn’t the point. What stood out was his grit, his honesty about the struggle, and his refusal to give up. That same mindset applies in the classroom: it’s not about being the best, but about showing up, putting in the effort, and pushing yourself to be your best—whatever that looks like for you.
- Play hard: School should be joyful—and expressive. At this year’s Grammy Awards, artists like Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan were celebrated not just for their talent, but for their individuality. From Roan’s costume-themed concerts to Charli’s anti-influencer aesthetic, each artist brought their own style, energy, and voice to the stage. That’s exactly what I want to see in our co-curricular life at Emanuel: pupils finding their own passions, bringing their own flair, and not worrying about what anyone else thinks. Whether it’s sport, music, drama, or any of the other brilliant opportunities on offer—what matters most is that they show up, give their all, and enjoy the ride.
- Be kind: Above all, kindness must be our default. In her 2025 memoir A Different Kind of Power and the accompanying documentary Prime Minister, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reflects on her time in office and makes a compelling case for empathy as a form of strength. She writes, “Kindness has a power and strength that almost nothing else on this planet has. I’ve seen kindness do extraordinary things. I’ve seen it give people hope. I’ve seen it change minds and transform lives.” That message resonates deeply with me. I want every pupil at Emanuel to feel empowered to lead with compassion, to look out for one another, and to help shape a school culture where everyone feels they belong.
Professional Experience
Before joining Emanuel, he spent eight highly rewarding years at Highgate School in North London, where he held a range of pastoral and leadership roles, including Head of Year, Housemaster, and Head of Co-Curricular (Lower School). He taught PE, Sport and PSHE across both the Junior and Senior Schools, also serving as Head of Hockey for a number of years. He has coached teams in multiple sports, and his proudest moment to date was leading Highgate’s U13 football team to a historic ISFA Cup victory — a level of success his beloved Sunderland AFC haven’t enjoyed for some time, although the tides may be starting to turn.
He brings with him a passion for pupil wellbeing, academic progress and the fostering of a strong sense of community. He looks forward to working closely with pupils, parents and colleagues at Emanuel to ensure that every child thrives, both in and out of the classroom.
Why Emanuel?
Teaching runs in the family, and his own positive school experiences left a lasting impression. “I was fortunate to have a joyful education, and it inspired me to try to create the same for as many pupils as I can,” he reflects. Emanuel’s reputation for nurturing individuals and fostering a compassionate community resonated strongly with him. He is particularly drawn to working with pupils in Years 9 to 11 — a period of significant growth, self-discovery and change.
Vision for Emanuel
Looking to the future, he sees his role not as changing the school, but as enhancing and building on what is already strong. He shares his view:
“I’m not here to reinvent the wheel. Instead, I see my role as helping to steer an already well-crafted Middle School ship through the next stage of its journey, making sure we catch the best winds and avoid unnecessary turbulence along the way.”
In the short term, he is keen to listen, learn and get to know the community. He hopes to build on the strong foundations already in place, identifying areas where the school can refine, enhance and evolve — especially in Years 9 to 11, which are so formative in shaping pupils’ identities, confidence and aspirations.
What he aims to bring is a blend of pastoral depth, academic ambition and creative energy. He is also committed to championing a culture where effort is recognised, individuality is embraced and kindness is non-negotiable. He is passionate about strengthening the bridge between academic and co-curricular life, and ensuring every pupil feels seen, supported and stretched — whether they’re solving equations, scoring goals or stepping into the spotlight.
“I’m truly excited to be joining Emanuel this September. Moving south means swapping my North London roots for a bit more sunshine—and maybe the odd sea breeze—but what really inspires me is the opportunity to build on Emanuel’s strong foundations. Emanuel feels like the perfect next step in my journey, arriving at just the right time, and I’m relishing the chance to meet pupils, parents, and colleagues alike. I look forward to contributing to a community where every individual is supported, challenged, and celebrated—and to being part of a school that values kindness, hard work, and creativity as much as I do.”
-Mr Kenmir, Head of Middle School & Deputy DSL
