Children must never be the collateral damage
With an increased number of independent schools closing with little or in some cases virtually no notice, Head of Belmont School, Lancashire, Devin Cassidy, reflects on his own past experience of closure and suggests that it should never be treated as a purely commercial decision…
Challenging the perception of STEM at an early age to achieve inclusivity
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) shape almost every aspect of modern life, from the technology we use daily to the medical innovations that transform healthcare. Yet the people who go on to study and work in STEM fields often come from a surprisingly narrow range of backgrounds…
A new way to belong: evolving your model without losing what matters
Bradfield College, Berkshire, has introduced a new Day option from the start of this academic year. It will see pupils entering Year 9 and the Lower Sixth have the choice of three offerings – Day, Day/Boarding and Boarding. Bradfield’s Group Director of Marketing and Communications, Ruth Thorogate…
Taking AI integration beyond the obvious
With the job market likely to be most different for the youngest students, what does this mean for prep schools when thinking how best to respond to AI, especially when a lot of AI tools have age restrictions? Director of Innovation at Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, Hertfordshire, Clare Jarmy…
Reimagining Sixth Form study as a launchpad for the modern economy
In the modern economy, there are many new and diverse careers. To ensure young people are supported to develop and pursue all different types of skillsets and find the best route to suit their individual talents, Mount House School, Hertfordshire…
The classroom under siege: Misinformation, disinformation, and what we must do
Headmaster at Leweston School, Dorset, John Paget-Tomlinson, considers the challenges around misinformation and disinformation in the modern world, the impact this is having on pupils, and why independent schools are well placed to lead a structural response.
Reclaiming focus: why a phone-free school day is an investment in learning and wellbeing
Following research and consultation with both parents and students, The Queen’s School, Chester, has recently announced plans to introduce a phone-free school day, supported by the use of pouches. Head of the school, Joanne Keville, explains how the decision has been driven by concerns around “focus fragmentation” and student wellbeing, with the aim of creating a more distraction-free learning environment…
Helping young people find their political voice
With elections this month and research still suggesting that young people feel disengaged and do not know how to get in involved in politics, Senior Deputy Head of Loretto School, East Lothian, Rachael Delaney, discusses the state of political education in schools right now, why it must evolve to meet the needs of young people today, and what schools can do to empower pupils to engage with…
Leaner learning: Crafting a curriculum that cuts costs, not quality
With the sector facing increased financial pressures, curriculum reform and rationalisation are becoming more commonplace as avenues to potentially reduce operational costs. But how can a more cost-effective curriculum be balanced against continuing to optimise the pupil experience? Acting Head & Deputy Head (Academic) at Wrekin College, Shropshire, Ben Smith…
Re-imagining our education system
With employers today looking for more than just academic excellence, has the current education system become out of step with the demands of modern society? Deputy Head & DSL at King’s College School, Wimbledon, Richard Amlot, explores how, while exams remain important, re-imagining the system to include developing holistic, future-ready skills, character…