In 2018 Helen Bond, Professor of Christian Origins, became New College’s first female Head of School since its founding in 1846.
Having taught at Northern College and the universities of Manchester and Aberdeen, Professor Bond arrived at the School in 2000. She has published widely on themes such as the historical Jesus, the canonical gospels, and the early Christian movement, with her books including biographies of Pontius Pilate and Caiaphas. Her most recent book, The First Biography of Jesus: Genre and Meaning in Mark’s Gospel (Eerdmans, 2018), explores how the genre of biography should shape our reading of ancient texts.
Professor Bond also has a wealth of media experience, acting as a historical consultant to an array of religious programmes. Together with Professor Joan Taylor, she pitched, shaped and presented the popular documentary Jesus’ Female Disciples, which aired on Channel 4 in 2018.