Mr Neil McGarry, Principal of Britannica International School

  • 31 Jan 2017 11:00 AM
Mr Neil McGarry, Principal of Britannica International School
Neil McGarry has become the new Principal of Britannica International School in Budapest, joining the community from the La Mare de Carteret High School in Guernsey, UK where he worked as a senior leader.

Prior to his time in Guernsey, he worked for the British Armed Forces as a consultant adviser to secondary, Primary and Middle schools in Germany, Cyprus and Scotland.

He has 25 years’ experience within the British Education system and has also worked in several schools in Leeds and Northallerton in Yorkshire, England. Mr McGarry has a degree in Maths and Business Management and Administration as well as a Master’s degree in Education.

Mr McGarry is keen on travelling, culture and sports and feels Budapest provides the perfect setting to indulge in his hobbies and interests.

Speaking of his appointment, he said:' There is a real family atmosphere within the school and myself, my wife and my son, who is attending the school in year six, are really looking forward to fully engaging with everybody at Britannica. I am very excited to be leading the school towards a bright and prosperous future.

"Our recent re-accreditation by CIS confirms the quality of what is on offer. The students are at the heart of all that we do and we will continue to strive to deliver high quality teaching and learning, personalised and tailored to meet the needs of our International body of students."

The entire Britannica community warmly welcomes the new Principal and looks forward to discovering new areas of development for Britannica International School with him.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Hungary on the 23rd December 2016. My new job as Principal of Britannica International School brought me to Budapest

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, I lived in Germany for 12 years from 2000 until 2012. I am not sure whether Guernsey also counts as I lived there for four years. Gurns definitely believe they are separate and different from mainland UK residents!

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The weather and the transport system. The weather has been incredibly cold for such a sustained period whilst the public transport is so cheap and efficient to use.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
They must visit the Castle area, have a nice meal and take in the magnificent sights of Budapest lit up at night

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Pörkölt

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Grapefruit juice

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Kiemelkedő

8. What do you miss the most from home?
Going to watch live rugby union matches

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Sports commentator

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
To work in a shoe shop

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
France

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Croatia

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I was a mad keen rugby player; my favourite film was Lethal Weapon

14. Apart of temptation, what can't you resist?
Ginger biscuits

15. Red wine or white?
White

16. Book or movie?
Depends how long I have got, probably a book

17. Morning person or night person?
Night

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Protecting the environment and animal rights

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
I have two:
Pay attention to the lessons you learn, trust your instincts and be prepared to take risks
No pain, no gain

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