THE new headmaster of Kelly College believes that while academic results are important, a love of learning and desire to be the best they can is also important for young people in today's world.
Graham Hawley was born in North London in 1964 and was educated at Mill Hill School and Durham University, where he read natural sciences and played a variety of sports, including cricket, squash, fives and real tennis.
He is married to Rachel, also an experienced teacher, and they have two children, Katherine, 8, and Jonathan, 7.
Mr Hawley said he was 'thrilled as well as honoured' to become principal of Kelly College Foundation and Headmaster of Kelly College: 'I shall do all I can to maintain and, where possible, to improve upon the impressive standards and considerable progress of recent years, building on the secure foundations laid by my distinguished predecessors.'
He said 'a stimulating and fulfilling education was one of the most precious gifts to give to children and it was a great privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the foundation at this time.
'Excellent academic results are important, but our young need much more than good examination results alone, they will need a love of learning and a desire to be the best they can in order to become responsible, respected citizens in a world in need of young adults with character, dedication and compassion,' Mr Hawley said.
His PhD research at Durham took him to Bangladesh, India and Kenya where he investigated the aquatic microbiology of lakes. Following his degree he worked for the National Rivers Authority and was based in Exeter, working on the rivers and reservoirs in Devon and Cornwall.
From Devon he moved to Scotland to investigate the quality of water in the major lochs along the west coast.
Mr Hawley said the 'lure of teaching' had proved 'irresistible' and he returned to Devon to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
In 1996 he was appointed an assistant master at Ardingly College in West Sussex, where he taught biology. In 2000 he became housemaster, taking responsibility for 60 boys. While at Ardingly he ran the squash, golf and senior colts cricket team and organised a scientific expedition to Iceland.
Since 2004, Mr Hawley has been deputy headmaster at Warwick School. His hobbies include golf, walking and occasional fly-fishing.
Mr Hawley succeeds Mark Steed, who has taken over as principal at Berkhamsted Collegiate.