Chris Drew

Principal, Mr Chris Drew, returned to his North East roots to join the Academy in 2003 as Assistant Vice Principal and Head of Sixth Form.

A geography and economics graduate of the London School of Economics, his early career focused on teaching geography, history and economics at schools in central and western England, notably Warwick School for Boys and Rossall School.

Mr Drew attributes his love of teaching to his own positive school experience, shaped by several inspirational teachers.

Appointed Principal in 2005, his current role involves leading the school, whilst continually seeking to raise standards and expectations. His ambition and vision has contributed to the school's progression from a GCSE pass rate of 22% (2003) to 81% (2011).

When citing the reasoning behind his vocation he said: "Watching students achieve their personal best, unearthing their hidden talents and charting their growth into adulthood are among the many highlights I have encountered throughout my career and my time at The King's.

"As well as inspiring students to achieve academic success, we have a desire to prepare them to become responsible husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, employers and employees, all of whom will be a credit to society."

Mr Drew spends much of his free time with his young son and daughter. He is also an avid photographer and musician who cites hill walking as one of his favourite pursuits.

With 1,150 students and 170 members of staff, The King's has a bright future as Mr Drew explains: "We have made outstanding progress in the few years we have been open. We are very proud of the success we have enjoyed to date, but we are not complacent.

"We are on a journey of improvement, striving to maintain and improve on the high standards we set and seeking to provide Middlesbrough's young people with the best possible teaching and learning facilities. It is our wish that The King's students receive an excellent education that they will look back on with fondness."