Meet The Senior Leadership Team
Mr Chris Brett
Principal
Mr Brett is the Principal of Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich. Originally from Colchester in Essex, he graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BA in History, and then completed his PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent. Mr Brett taught for eight years at a comprehensive school in Ashford, Kent, where he became Assistant Principal. He joined Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich in 2013 as Assistant Principal and has been promoted through the Senior Leadership Team taking positions of Senior Assistant Principal, Vice Principal and Head of Academy. He completed his NPQH in 2019 and now helps to deliver a range of NPQ programmes for the National Institute of Education.
Proudest moment in education. Our Ofsted Outstanding judgement in November 2023 after over 10 years of waiting to be inspected.
Thing I love the most about HBAED. The students - they are the best young people to work with, and so kind, proud and ambitious!
Mr Harry Ingham
Vice Principal
Mr Ingham is the Vice Principal of Harris Boys' Academy, East Dulwich. Originally from Somerset, he graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in Politics and Modern History, and a burning desire to explore the world. He lived in Toronto for a year, fulfilling various roles for the Ontario Government, before travelling on to Cuba to experience life under Fidel Castro's rule. On his return to England, he completed his PGCE at the University of Birmingham. Mr Ingham then taught History for five years in one of the most deprived areas of the city, before following a well-trodden path to the bright lights of the capital. He joined a challenging school in Croydon as Head of History, before being promoted to Head of KS4 - playing a major role in establishing a culture of exceptional behaviour and improved academic outcomes. He has been at HBAED for nearly 10 years and has enjoyed every minute of contributing to the continued improvement of the greatest school in South London. When not working, you will likely see him in the terraces at Dulwich Hamlet Football Club.
Proudest moments in education. I love it when students celebrate the successes of their peers. The moments when they listen to and praise a good answer in class or an extracurricular achievement. This shows that they're becoming excellent 'Active Citizens' as well as succeeding academically. And secondly, I was in Dulwich Park with my family and a woman approached us and said:“Mr Ingham - I remember you from 15 years ago. History was so fun.” It made my day!
Thing I love most about HBAED. Not a single day goes by without a pupil saying something that makes me laugh. We have the kindest, but also the funniest, pupils that I've ever encountered! Not to mention the incredible work ethic that is so evident in every lesson. It's a genuine privilege to spend so much time with youngsters from the local area and it leaves me confident that the future of our community is in good hands.
Mr James Allison
Assistant Principal
Mr Allison is Assistant Principal with responsibilities for Personal Development and Year 13 outcomes. Originally from St Andrews, he graduated from the University of Glasgow with an MA in Economics and Business Management. He began teaching in Hackney in 2007 and developed a specialism in Sixth Form education. During his time in Hackney, he gained another MA in Educational Leadership and Management from St Mary's University. He joined Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich in 2018.
Proudest moment in education. Seeing students leave the Sixth Form and progressing on to genuinely outstanding universities and careers. As an Economics teacher, I am particularly proud of many of my past students who are leading successful and thriving careers in the City.
The thing I love most about HBAED. The culture! The relationships between staff and students is strong and positive. All the members of staff at the school work well together with a 'can do' attitude. This makes HBAED an enjoyable place to work!
Mrs Omobonike Ayodele
Assistant Principal
Mrs Ayodele is an Assistant Principal KS4 at Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich. Mrs Ayodele was born and raised in Nigeria. She graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University where she obtained her first degree. Mrs Ayodele is a very hands-on person; she followed the School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCIIT) route to teaching, and her PGCE was accredited by the Open University. Mrs Ayodele completed her MBA in Educational Leadership and Management from Anglia Ruskin University. Mrs Ayodele loves to add value and have a positive impact. She is a big believer in breaking barriers to ensure students succeed, irrespective of their background, ability or needs, and this she has achieved in all the schools she has worked in.
Proudest moment in education. I have had so many proud moments. For example, one memorable incident occurred during my first few months in HBAED. A former student had come to oversee a Sixth Form event. After seeing my name on the school website, he insisted on meeting me. He told me how my constant support had enabled him to become a purpose-driven young man and how his 'turnaround story' is inspiring and encouraging young people to believe that everything is possible with the proper teachers in their lives.
The thing I love most about HBAED. What I love about HBAED the most is that it aligns with my motto of no excuses; every child succeeds and achieves their full potential, regardless of family background, need or ethnicity. The shared vision, commitment and collegiate effort to enable students to be the best they can be are second to none.
Mr Michael Chan
Assistant Principal
Mr. Chan's journey began in South London where he attended Wimbledon College for secondary education. It was during his time at college that his interest in IT flourished, leading him to pursue Multimedia Technology at The University of Greenwich. After gaining industry experience, he felt drawn to teaching and pursued a Post Graduate Certificate in Education(PGCE). Starting his teaching career at a prominent school in Southwark, he quickly rose to the position of Head of House, overseeing vocational studies across the school. Joining HBAED in 2020 as Deputy Director in the BDIT Department, he furthered his expertise, earning accreditation as a specialist leader in Education and completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). By 2022, he had ascended to the role of Assistant Principal of Sixth Form. Mr Chan is deeply committed to fostering active citizenship and driving students towards their future aspirations. He envisions a Sixth Form that is inclusive and empowers students to reach their goals.
Proudest moment in education. The outstanding accreditation by Ofsted for both the Computing department and the Sixth Form. Myself and my dedicated team have witnessed numerous students achieving their goals, such as securing Degree Apprenticeships at prestigious institutions such as UBS and Deloitte.
The thing I love most about HBAED. The community the school has cultivated among students, parents, teachers and school leaders.
Ms Lareice Okai
Assistant Principal
Lareice Okai is Assistant Principal and brings her passion and expertise to teaching and learning at HBAED. Armed with a Performing Arts Degree and a teacher training course completed in 2013, Ms Okai has navigated the challenges of inner-city schools and served as a dedicated Head of Year for six impactful years. Ms Okai joined HBAED in 2020, taking on the role of Innovation Leader. As an accredited Lead Practitioner with a completed Diverse Leaders course, she embodies a commitment to cutting-edge education.
Proudest moment in education. Witnessing the reward of student success. Seeing students celebrate their exceptional GCSE results is the culmination of our school’s dedication to their growth and achievement.
The thing I love most about HBAED. What sets HBAED apart is the commitment to giving every student a fair chance at success. Regardless of background, HBAED’s vision ensures that no student is left behind – all students leave us with the Master Key to their future.
Mr Martin Pugh
Assessment & Data Lead
Mr Pugh is the Assessment and Data Lead at Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich. He graduated from the University of Warwick, then completed his PGCE at the Institute of Education in London. He began teaching in South East London in 1998, and for the past 26 years he has taught at three schools. He has worked at HBAED since 2013, teaching English and taking on a variety of roles during his time here.
Proudest moment in education. Seeing ex-students making a success of their next steps. Nothing makes me happier than speaking to young adults who explain how they have entered the career of their choice, or are studying at university, or are on the path to success in the creative arts.
The thing I love most about HBAED. Its inclusive nature. All students make progress here, and HBAED has a real belief in unlocking the potential of all students who comes through its doors. I also greatly value the focus on the performing arts which have gone from strength to strength over the last decade.
Mr David Stow
Assistant Principal
Mr Stow studied Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Surrey before embarking on a career as a PE teacher. This led to him being a member of the founding staff at Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich when we opened our doors for the first time in 2009. After six years of service Mr Stow spent time away working in another south London trust including the opening of another new Southwark secondary school, before returning to HBAED as an Assistant Principal in 2022.
Proudest moment in education. Being a founding member of staff at HBAED and seeing the rise of the school from temporary accommodation at Langbourne Primary School through to two Outstanding Ofsted inspections.
The thing I love most about HBAED. The school is relentless in its drive to ensure all students are successful. No barrier is too big and every child matters to us.
Mr Khasruz Zaman
Associate Assistant Principal
Mr Khasruz Zaman is a teacher of Mathematics and a member of the Senior Leadership Team with responsibility for Personal Development. Mr Zaman was born in Bangladesh and moved to the UK at the age of eight. He went to a comprehensive state school in Smethwick (Birmingham) and completed his GCSEs and A-levels two years ahead of schedule, before going on to study Law at King's College London at the age of sixteen.
Mr Zaman leads on the planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of Personal Development within the curriculum and beyond the curriculum. Personal Development within the curriculum comprises: Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE); Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC); Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RHSE); Religious Education (RE); Citizenship and Active Citizens. Personal Development beyond the curriculum comprises: Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG); Educational Trips and Visits; The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE); and Student Leadership. He also organises visits to top universities and leading employers, as well as regularly inviting external visitors to deliver assemblies and workshops at the school.
Before switching to teaching, Mr Zaman was a partner at a leading international law firm and spent over two decades working as a corporate lawyer specialising in mergers and acquisitions in the banking and financial services sector. He is passionate about developing and promoting talent from diverse backgrounds and decided to take on a new challenge and signed up for Now Teach – an initiative to encourage professionals to change career.
Proudest moment in education. I seek to use my experience to open more doors for our students and enable them to benefit from opportunities and gain experiences which will help to bridge the gap when compared with students from more affluent backgrounds.
The thing I love most about HBAED. I particularly enjoy working with everyone at the school to nurture talent from all backgrounds, encouraging students to be more ambitious and preparing them for success
