Mark Weir, Principal of Strangford College, will be moving on to the post of Executive Director at a Church in Edinburgh, after 21 years’ service to Integrated Education.
Originally from Bangor, Mark began his teaching career at Knockbreda High School, in Belfast.
In 1996, he was appointed as the founding Head of English at Slemish College. Mark loved being part of the team that opened Slemish, under the leadership of Bobby Jennings. He was swiftly appointed Head of Year 8 in 1997, and to the Senior Leadership Team, when it was established in 1998.
Mark held a wide range of roles at Slemish. In addition to his Head of Department and Head of Year roles, he was the College Communications Officer, Head of Admissions and Head of 6th Form. Mark very much enjoyed his role as primary liaison leader and held this role throughout his time at Slemish. He was very enthusiastic in his promotion of Slemish, and made many friends across the feeder primary schools. Mark cites his work as Specialist School Coordinator and as a core team member for Slemish’s EFQM award, as some of his most enjoyable experiences at Slemish.
In June 2013, Mark moved to Strangford College, as their newly appointed Principal. Area Planning had left a number of options open for Strangford, including potential for merger. Under Mark’s leadership, the Team at Strangford formed a new vision for the College’s future, and set about bringing it to a reality. Key changes included restructuring curriculum and the pastoral system, and the introduction of a grammar entry option at the College. Enhancing the integrated ethos at Strangford has also been a priority for the Team, and the appointment of two College Chaplains was a particular highlight for Mark. Strangford has significantly grown during Mark’s tenure and is heavily oversubscribed each year. Last year, the College had a development plan approved raising the admissions number at Strangford, from 80 to 110. Mark and his colleagues were delighted by the subsequent announcement that Strangford was to receive a new build under the Fresh Start Initiative.
Mark has always enjoyed playing a role in the wider integrated movement, and is currently Chair of APTIS.
