Mr Smits has taught at Borrowdale School since 2006 and was appointed as headteacher in 2011. Before settling in Cumbria, Mr Smits taught in independent international schools in Tanzania and Thailand and state schools in The Netherlands. Mr Smits is passionate about innovating teaching to make a difference to the pupils in his care. In his spare time, Mr Smits enjoys sports, music (he plays guitar in a rock band), being outdoors and good company.