Get to know the Perse Principal: Q&A with Dan Cross
We are thrilled to introduce our founding principal, Mr. Dan Cross. With an impressive 24-year tenure at The Perse School Cambridge, where he served in various leadership roles including Senior Deputy Head, Dan brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to our school community.
In this Q&A session, Dan shares insights into his journey, his educational philosophy, and what excites him about leading our school.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and what keeps you motivated?
A: My inspiration largely comes from my parents, both of whom were teachers. My mother was a deputy head of a UK secondary school, and my father taught PE and English. Growing up in that environment naturally led me to a career in teaching. I initially taught English as a foreign language during summer school on the Kent coast in England and loved working with young people.
What keeps me motivated is the joy of seeing students excel and grow. One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been recruiting former students to teach at The Perse School in Cambridge. It’s a testament to the positive impact of our educational environment when students choose to return as teachers. Over the years, I have successfully recruited around 10 to 15 former students who I had the pleasure of teaching. This, for me, is a significant marker of success. Seeing them come full circle, from learners to educators, underscores the lasting influence we have on their lives. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this profession.
Q: What are your specialist subjects, and what do you love about teaching them?
A: I am a geographer by training and have always enjoyed the multifaceted nature of the subject. Geography allows me to teach a wide range of topics, from glaciation to sustainable cities, making it constantly evolving and relevant. One of the joys of geography is its ability to adapt and address current global issues, such as environmental sustainability and climate change.
Additionally, I have always coached sports, which is something I am passionate about. Inspiring young people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives through sports has been a significant part of my teaching career, and as the father to my kids. Whether it’s coaching a team to victory or encouraging a student to improve their personal best; the life lessons learned through sports are invaluable. It’s about fostering resilience, teamwork, and a love for physical activity that can last a lifetime.
Q: Where did you study?
I earned my Geography degree at the University of Exeter, where I balanced my academic studies with my passion for hockey. I was honored to captain the English Universities hockey team where we had some great success. I then pursued my teacher training at Exeter, gaining my Postgraduate Certificate of Education before relocating to London for my first teaching role. While working at The Perse School in Cambridge, I completed my Master’s in Educational Leadership and School Improvement at Jesus College, University of Cambridge.
Q: Before you joined Perse Cambridge, what were you up to?
Before joining The Perse, I taught at two schools in London, Kingston Grammar School and University College School, Hampstead. I enjoyed the opportunity to to work alongside some wonderful teachers, developing and learning to become an even better geography teacher. I was involved in a wide range of activities alongside my teaching, taking part in geography field trips, ski trips and sports tours. In addition I trained a number of outdoor pursuits groups for Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and adventurous challenges across Dartmoor National Park.
Q: With 24 years at Perse, what is your most memorable moment?
A: My most memorable moments are personal ones – the stand out is walking both my sons to school for their first day at The Pelican. Seeing them start their educational journey in their purple sweatshirts was incredibly special. Those daily walks from the car park past the fish pond and into the Pelican are etched in my memory and are real ‘proud dad’ moments.
Q: What excites you the most about leading The Perse School in Singapore?
A: The opportunity to build a phenomenal community here in Singapore excites me the most. Bringing the excellence and ambition of The Perse School in Cambridge to a new region and offering a broad and holistic education to students is something I am incredibly proud of. I am eager to see the impact of our values and curriculum on students in Singapore. This new chapter is not just about replicating what we have in Cambridge but also about innovating and adapting to meet the unique needs of our students here. The prospect of integrating into the vibrant, diverse culture of Singapore while maintaining the high standards of The Perse is truly exhilarating. I look forward to seeing our students grow, excel, and become active, engaged members of both the school and the broader community.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about working with students and staff at The Perse School?
A: The most rewarding aspect is observing the strong, supportive community we build together. Seeing students and staff collaborate, learn, and grow in a happy and purposeful environment is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a testament to the strength of our community and the quality of education we provide. When you step back and watch the daily interactions, you see a community where everyone is committed to supporting each other’s growth and success. This sense of shared purpose and mutual respect is what makes The Perse special. It’s incredibly gratifying to see students develop into well-rounded individuals who are not only academically accomplished but also compassionate and engaged members of society. This community will be so important to how we build the school on our Chestnut Drive campus.
Q: Can you share a fun or surprising fact about yourself that students or parents might not know?
A: Sure! I once had the opportunity to meet Tiger Woods when he won The Open at Royal Liverpool. My cousin was the captain of the golf club and presented Tiger with the trophy on the 18th green, and we had the opportunity to meet him afterwards. It was an incredible experience to congratulate, possibly the greatest golfer of all time.
Another fun fact is that I performed in several open-air productions as a child, including a memorable role as a fairy in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and one of the Lost Boys in “Peter Pan.” These experiences were family affairs, with my parents deeply involved in local amateur dramatics. It’s these memories of family and community that have stayed with me and continue to influence my approach to ensuring breadth and balance are a core value in my educational approach..
Q: What are your passions outside of work?
A: I am passionate about sports, particularly golf, where I have a handicap of 10. I also enjoy staying active through fitness classes, running, cycling, and exploring the outdoors. These activities help me maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Being outdoors, whether it’s a walk along the river or a challenging hike, allows me to recharge and stay connected to the natural world. Sports and physical activity have always been a significant part of my life, and I believe they play a crucial role in my overall well-being. I’m looking forward to exploring new running routes, fitness classes and outdoor activities here in Singapore.
Q: What food are you looking forward to eating now that you’re based in Singapore?
A: I am excited to explore Singapore’s famous hawkers and try plenty of chicken rice and satay. The culinary scene here is renowned for its diversity and quality, and I’m eager to immerse myself in it. But I have found a soft spot for the blueberry muffins in Huggs Coffee shops, which is my new guilty pleasure.
It has been a pleasure sharing a bit about myself and my vision for The Perse School (Singapore). I look forward to working with our incredible community of students, staff, and parents to create a nurturing and inspiring educational environment. Together, we will make The Perse a place where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential.
You can speak with Dan, or our academic team at our Admissions Suite in Holland Village. Book an appointment through our admissions team by emailing Admissions@perse.com.sg or filling in the inquiry form on our website.
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