Mark Simmons takes LP record

This is a remarkable start of term as Mark Simmons becomes the longest serving teacher in Leighton Park’s history. He joined after Easter in 1980, so has now started his 41st teaching year. In this time, Mark has had an enormous impact on so many students, as a teacher and then Head of PE & Sport, as Housemaster of Field, and in recent years, as Senior Master, working on pastoral care, discipline and boarding. He also has played a key role in the school’s regular outreach activities with partner organisations in Africa, in particular having visited Uganda several times with the Bujagali Trust.

Old Leightonian Neil Jackson recently wrote “I would have run through walls for him! Well persevered Mark. What patience you must have had with us boys, you were a great leader, teacher and role model. YOu have been a true servant and leader within the LP community. Legend.”

The history of Leighton Park is indeed full of anecdotes and memories of teachers who sparked the fire in so many young minds: these are the 10 longest serving teachers. Have a look at the album.

1 Mark Simmons 40 years+ 1980-

2 J Knox Taylor 40 years 1929-1969

3 WH Scarborough 37 years 1902-1939

4 Frank Button 37 years 1940-1977

5 Richard Coleman 36 years 1941-1977

6 Len Stables 35 years 1940-1975

7 John Allinson 35 years 1974-2009 Archivist 2012 –

8 Ricky Schardt 35 years 1941-1946; 1949-1979

9 Keith Walshaw 34 years 1964-1998

10 Harry Stevens 33 years 1922-1955