Meet Our Executive Principal and Head of Academy

Mr David Astin, Executive Principal

Mr Astin has been teaching for 20 years, and with the Harris Federation since 2008. He began his career at a large school in Milton Keynes in 1995 and then taught at a very successful girls' school in Carshalton.

In 2008, Mr Astin was appointed Assistant Principal of our sister school, Harris City Academy Crystal Palace.  After that, he was a leader of the Harris Sixth Form and later the Principal of Harris Girls’ Academy Bromley. 

During this time, he helped to lay the educational foundations of the Harris Westminster Sixth Form, a collaboration with Westminster School which aims to prepare London’s brightest state school pupils for entry to the world’s best universities. Mr Astin, was appointed Executive Principal of Harris Academy Orpington in September 2018.

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Mr Richard Carey, Head of Academy

Richard is an experienced Senior leader having taught for over 20 years and  taking on various leadership roles within the Harris Federation for 11 years.

Richard was responsible for setting up a brand new Academy in East Dulwich which was deemed “outstanding” in its most recent Ofsted inspection.  He then utilised his experience to assist with the opening of Harris Academy Garrard in Bexley.  Richard has a passion for student welfare, and feels that all students must have the opportunity for a great academic education, develop their wider understanding of a modern Britain and become well-rounded young adults in the process.

As a local resident, he is fully aware of the need for a great school, serving the local community and welcomes any feedback from parents and carers.

Richard was appointed as the Head of Academy in Easter 2019 and is exceptionally proud of all the students and their achievements.