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

Former St Swithun’s student Zara Rutherford breaks two aviation world records

Zara Rutherford, who finished her A levels at St Swithun’s in Winchester last summer, has successfully completed her circumnavigation of the globe.

King’s Ely musician achieves place at prestigious conservatoire

A pupil at King's Ely has secured a place at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Lauren will be visiting the prestigious London music conservatoire to study Flute and has been playing the instrument since Year 2.

UCS Hampstead signs The Camden School Climate Charter

The UCS Foundation committed itself to sustainability by signing The Camden School Climate Charter last term. As a signatory, this marks a moment in the School’s ongoing and accelerating commitment to sustainability.

Shaun Pexton, Head of School at Brighton College

Brighton College's Shaun shines as Rise Global Winner

Cheltenham Ladies' College launches new online Wellbeing Hub for local pupils

2607 RS ORATORY 069 (RETOUCHED jpeg) - Copy

The Oratory School is Rated 'Excellent' in ISI Inspection

St Mary’s unveils new courses for next academic year

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.