Meet Mark Taylor – Principal at Queen Katharine Academy

 

 

We recently caught up with Mark Taylor, Principal at Queen Katharine Academy (QKA), who recently joined the academy with a clear vision to build on its strengths and unlock its full potential.

With a diverse career background across sport, youth support, and education, Mark brings a wealth of experience alongside a deep passion for helping young people succeed.

In this interview, he reflects on his career journey, leadership approach, and aspirations for the QKA community.

 

Can you tell us about your career journey and what inspired you to work in education?

After leaving university, I worked across a range of sectors including IT recruitment, Major League Soccer in the United States, and The Prince’s Trust, where I supported disadvantaged young people aged 16–24. Although that role was the most challenging I have undertaken, it was also the most rewarding, and it ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in teaching.

 

 

What attracted you to apply for the Principal role at QKA?

The diversity and potential of Queen Katharine Academy were key factors in attracting me to the role. I saw an academy that represents and serves its community proudly, and the opportunity to lead it forward was something I couldn’t pass up.

 

Since joining QKA, what have you learned from listening to students, staff and families?

What has resonated with me most strongly is the enormous potential of QKA and its genuine sense of community. There is a shared determination here - students, staff, and families all want to achieve together, and that spirit is hugely inspiring.

 

How does this learning influence your leadership approach?

I believe in the strength and resilience of entire communities. This belief underpins my leadership style, which is built on clarity, integrity, and a commitment to developing character as well as outcomes. To me, education is about equipping students not only academically, but also with the skills and values to thrive. As Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon that can change the world.”

 

 

What are your main aims and priorities for QKA in the next few years?

My aims are to improve both the character and the outcomes of all students and establish QKA as an institution of excellence. At the same time, I want to ensure the academy remains a central and valued pillar of the local community.

 

How would you describe the character of the QKA student body and local community?

The students and families here are welcoming, proud and full of potential to achieve great things. That pride and determination are what makes QKA so special.

 

How do you and the new leadership team complement each other in leading QKA forward?

We are fortunate to have an excellent leadership team, with a broad range of skills and experiences. Together, this creates real strength, allowing us to drive QKA forward with ambition and unity of purpose.

 

 

What has the leadership transition been like, and how do you collaborate with Executive Principal, Rick Carroll and the wider TDET team?

The transition has been very smooth, supported tremendously by colleagues across QKA and the wider TDET family. I am continuing to learn every day, and the guidance from Rick Carroll and the Trust team has been invaluable.

 

What is your vision for ‘The QKA Way’ and why relaunch the values now?

Our values of Ambition, Responsibility, and Respect were chosen collectively by our academy community, alongside five staff pledges and promises. These values form the foundation of ‘The QKA Way’, which ensures that every member of our community can clearly articulate how and why we do things at QKA. It is about building strong character, securing excellent outcomes, and ensuring every student leaves us with a true sense of belonging.

 

How does being part of TDET support your vision and work at QKA?

TDET has been extremely supportive of the changes we have introduced, offering guidance and expertise that has helped us move quickly and with confidence. Collaboration across the Trust means that both staff and students can benefit from a wide pool of knowledge and experience.

 

 

What do you enjoy doing outside work?

Away from academy, I enjoy travelling with my family and remain passionate about sport. I previously played semi-professional football and have coached at that level too. I also serve as Vice Chair of the Rugby West Indian Community Club, which has been an important part of my life and community involvement.

 

Thank you, Mark!

 

You can find out more about Queen Katharine Academy here.