Head’s call for schools to ‘pull together’ for future
BRITAIN’S INDEPENDENT schools have a “part to play” as the country stands on the brink of change at a time of “crippling political uncertainty”, leaders of public institutions have been told.
In a letter to almost 300 members of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), its chairman expressed his hope for a united front in supporting one of the UK’s strengths – its independent schools.
Shaun Fenton published the letter ahead of the HMC’s annual autumn conference beginning in Manchester yesterday.
He wrote: “At a time of crippling political uncertainty, the UK’s great independent schools have remained trusted and consistent, preparing young people brilliantly for the future whilst respecting what has held true in education for hundreds of years.
“I hope that, whatever our political perspectives, we can pull together and support the strengths of the UK, and our independent schools are one of those strengths. As a country we stand on the brink of great change and our schools have a part to play.”
Mr Fenton said no child should leave school feeling education has been “little more than life’s longest to-do list”. He added that all young people should leave school feeling prepared for the future.
“To get this right we need to give those who live and breathe education to have a voice, away from politicians, policymakers, inspection and accountability regimes. We need to listen more to students, parents, teachers, school leaders and governors.”
In the letter, Mr Fenton also highlighted the rate of growth in top independent schools opening abroad – providing influence abroad and income at home.
In the last decade, 63 British in- dependent schools have opened sister schools or partnered with an international school, including 11 in the last academic year alone. Furthermore, 18 British independent schools – including 10 in HMC – are due to open in the next two years, mainly in China but also in Singapore, Egypt, Oman and India.
Richard Gaskell, Schools Director of ISC Research said: “The more recent approach of taking the British brand overseas, to establish sister schools with the same learning ethos and characteristics as the home school, has become an educational phenomenon in many countries, particularly in Asia.
“This is meeting the aspirations of many families today: to provide the best possible educational opportunities for their child while keeping them close to home until they are well prepared to independently move overseas for their tertiary education.”