Allan Laing
– National Director
With over 30 years in education, Allan Laing has dedicated his career to the well-being and development of young people. Starting in a large state school boarding house, Allan Laing moved to St John’s College as Day Housemaster and later Head of Boarding, deepening a passion for Pastoral Care. At Michaelhouse, as Deputy Rector of Pupil Matters, Allan Laing identified the need for stronger staff support, founding the Boarding Schools of Southern Africa (BSSA). Now College Head of Uplands College, Allan Laing continues to champion Pastoral Care and the BSSA nationwide.
Dr Mark Blew
– Specialist Boarding Consultant
Mark entered the adventurous world of boarding at the age of 12, a decision he made after hearing his father’s exhilarating stories of boarding life at a prominent school in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in the 1970s. Despite his mother’s emotive plea to attend the local high school, Mark found himself wearing an oversized traditional school blazer, bought to withstand the exponential growth he would physically and figuratively undergo, at an all-boys state boarding school in Pretoria. He describes his boarding experience as Dickensian: the best and worst of times. These influential five years of his life, which were as sublime, disastrous and eye-opening as John van der Ruit’s famous “Spud” series, prompted his decision to never leave the space. Mark has taught at boarding schools in the UK and South Africa, fulfilling various roles, leading to his current position as Deputy Head: Pastoral Care & Boarding, at the serene Uplands College in White River, Mpumalanga. Mark’s desire to play an integral role in the promotion and progression of boarding school experience led to him recently being awarded his doctorate in education, focusing on the management of boarding house culture. Mark remains in contact with the ‘band of brothers’ he journeyed through boarding school life with, often reminiscing fondly on nostalgic school memories, and most importantly, continue to build their friendships that were first ignited over twenty years ago.
Herman Visagie
– Specialist Boarding Consultant
Herman Visagie has over 15 years of experience in boarding education, with previous roles including School Counsellor and Head of Life Orientation. He is currently the Housemaster of Founders House at Michaelhouse, a leading boys’ boarding school in South Africa, where he also teaches English. Herman holds a Master’s degree in Residential Education from the University of Buckingham and has been awarded the UK Boarding Schools’ Association Research Fellowship for 2025/2026. His research explores boarding culture, particularly the situational influences that drive conformity and their impact on adolescent wellbeing, alongside the development of situational awareness training for boarding staff. Herman has presented on adolescent wellbeing and boarding practices at schools and conferences across South Africa and abroad.
Caireen Laing
– Administration
Caireen Laing has worked in school administration since 1994, providing care and support to educational communities. Closely involved in Allan Laing’s passion for Pastoral Care, Caireen Laing supported three of their four sons through boarding school, gaining insight into the challenges families face and the importance of proper guidance for children’s wellbeing. Caireen Laing recognises that boarding isn’t right for every child and values early recognition of this. Having witnessed the emotional demands on residential staff, Caireen believes that comprehensive support for boarding staff is essential to help them manage the responsibilities of residential life.
