Fresh thinking about independent education

Episode 35: Learning from nature

Joining Matthew this week is Stuart Douch and David Buckingham from Sompting Abbotts Prep School in West Sussex. We discuss how spending time learning about wildlife can be hugely beneficial for children, not just as a learning opportunity but also to help boost pupil wellbeing.

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Episode 34: School communications

Joining Matthew this week is Emma Goldsmith of The Dragon School and Kate Reynolds of the Royal High School Bath GDST. We discuss school communications – how to ensure parents are always in the loop but don't feel overwhelmed by the quantity of information coming home.

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Latest independent school news

Repton Prep appoints Victoria Savage as new Head

Victoria Savage has been appointed as Head of Repton Prep, taking effect from September 2022. She is currently the Head of Sarum Hall School, London.

New Headmaster at St Francis School, David Lee, with his wife Samantha and three sons.

New Headmaster joins St Francis School

David Lee has joined St Francis School in Pewsey as the school's new Headmaster. He was Deputy Head of Garden International School in Malaysia. He joins following the retirement of David Sibson after 10 years at the helm of the Wiltshire prep school.

New Headmaster to take the helm at Belmont Grosvenor School

A new Headmaster has been appointed at North Yorkshire prep school, Belmont Grosvenor. Nathan Sadler will become Head in September 2022. He is currently Primary Principal at GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis in Dubai.

(LtoR) Vickie Bowden from YAA, Headteacher of The Froebelian School Catherin Dodds and Polly the Paramedic with The Froebelian Charity Captains.jpeg

The Froebelian School raises over £6,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

MP Munira Wilson visiting the STEM research projects at LEH

Local MP receives tour of STEM research at Lady Eleanor Holles

Vamos Theatre Company at Malvern St James Girls' School

Malvern St James Girls' School form partnership with Vamos Theatre Company

Medieval knights charge into Kitebrook Prep

Bancroft's Prep Charity Ambassadors with Some of the Donated Gifts

Sabrinah with the gifts that she bought for less fortunate children

Laura Wilson, collection for Mission Christmas

Lower School pupils with Countess of Chester Blue Skies Appeal

Bancroft's School, Danes Hill School, Bolton School Girls' Division, The King's School Gloucester, The Queen's School #christmas

Latest features for parents and schools

Demystifying finance in the classroom

5 min read Financial illiteracy is a problem for many adults. Ensuring pupils leave school confident in managing a budget, investments and pensions is crucial for the years ahead as Fionnuala Kennedy, Head of Wimbledon High School GDST, explains.

The reform of assessment

5 min read HMC asked 800 educators for their views on both the current curriculum and models of assessment. Dr Simon Hyde, General Secretary of HMC, looks at the findings of this survey and why the majority of respondents want to see reform happen urgently.

Where does it all go wrong?

5 min read Are schools doing enough to promote diversity, tolerance and equality? Jason Whiskerd, Headmaster of Brentwood Preparatory School, explores what is being done to make sure the lessons learnt in school last a lifetime.

Trust and you will find

5 min read The past year has seen the rise of The Three Marketeers: Covid, Consultancies and Conundrums. Tim Hands, Headmaster of Winchester, reflects on choosing schools in the new normal.