Opinions
Free to choose
Several schemes supporting independent-state school partnerships have been ended by successive governments. Should our schools be obliged to sponsor academies/free schools? Dr Helen Wright argues that the sector should decide
The issue of academy sponsorship has become something of a hot potato over the past few months, with repeated messages from the Government about the desirability of independent schools taking an involvement in the state sector.
Matters of trust
Proprietorial and corporate governance models are regarded as inferior by many in the independent sector. James Croft considers whether the charitable trust framework works as well as is often claimed and reviews the alternatives
Professional governing bodies can be an asset to the effective management of a school, but all too often constrain the school leadership’s ability to respond to changes both in-school and in the market. In an increasingly competitive schools marketplace, those unable to take decisive action when it is needed may find themselves responsible for the closure of their schools.
The same hymn sheet?
Bursars want to save money and development directors want to spend it. Is this is a fair assessment? Alison Graham urges bursars to understand and support the development team’s long-term role in supporting the school
In development, what is the bursar’s role? The flippant answer would be – there isn’t one. Donors want to meet the principal or the chair of governors, not the finance director. Yet the support of bursars is critical to successful development and they can contribute immensely to that success.
Under attack (again)
Michael Gove’s programme of school reforms to give teachers greater freedom to innovate and empower headteachers to drive improvement in the quality of education is a challenge to the independent sector. James Croft reports
Mr Gove has been explicit that the impact of his programme of reforms ought to mean much greater competition for independent schools. With mounting OECD PISA evidence that the consequence of families of higher socioeconomic status taking up the independent state school option tends to be that the independent (private) school (test score) advantage slips away, independent heads and their governors, particularly those of mid-fee range schools, are getting nervous.
Hitting targets
Is a programme of concerted marketing critical to every school? Sheila Hallsworth argues that it is. Here, she explains why and shows how and when you should use it, even if your school is regularly oversubscribed
The environment in which independent schools are competing is changing fast. High-performing academies are growing in number and the tough economic climate is making parents think much more carefully about educating their children privately. This means that even the best schools can no longer be complacent about securing pupil numbers.
Two sides of the same coin
The relationship between a school and parents is a two-way street. For best results in nurturing a child, neither should act without considering the other’s supporting role. Damian Ettinger says that this is key to the relationship
At the start of Tom Brown’s Schooldays, our hero boards the coach to start his new school life and says farewell to his parents, who hardly appear again in the story, apparently unaware of his being severely bullied, nearly drowning, facing accusations of theft and fomenting rebellion, and being on the receiving end of at least two severe canings.
Moving on
In a plea to two sector associations, Jonathan Whybrow urges them to agree on fair and effective ways to set entrance tests and assessments to help with the pupil transition from prep to senior schools
Beachborough School is a business just like any other independent school. Without the correct business model and effective management of finances, teaching will suffer. It is our job as heads to ensure that teachers have the best possible conditions under which to do their jobs.
Dead languages?
Have you ever dipped into a different sector but found yourself confused by the arcane terms and unfathomable jargon? That may be how your prospective parents feel when they consider your school, writes Dick Davison
After many years in the independent sector, it’s easy to forget how intimidating and exclusive some of its language can be. A new colleague, Peter Blair, has not come directly from the schools sector. He has reminded me of the many minor nuisances – or terrifying obstacles, depending on your perspective – presented by the arcane language used in many schools.
Time to act
The Charities Act and public benefit, the debates for and against independent schools (mostly the latter) among political parties – and now the recession. Andrew Maiden says it is time for the sector to fight back
Independent schools represent one of the most underappreciated sectors in the UK. We all know its successes (if you don’t, then: it produces our top scientists, linguists, gold-medal winning athletes, political leaders, oh – and a first-rate education, among many other benefits).
Tax attack
The left and right on the political spectrum may argue about a tax-free status for independent schools. But Kim Scharf says there needn’t be a debate at all. In her view, the answer is both logical and clear
I have yet to hear a compelling, rational argument on the debate surrounding the tax-free status of independent schools in the UK.
Join the free for all
To begin this new feature on guest views about opportunities and threats in the independent schools sector, Zenna Atkins debates whether free schools represent an opportunity or a threat for independent education providers
Any loosening of state control over education is a good thing for the independent sector. For many years, independent schools have had to demonstrate an understanding of what parents want and need for the education of their children. Commercial pressures, coupled with a drive to distinguish their offering from the state sector, have forced independent education providers to invest in aligning their appeal with the desire of the customer: parent, pupil, future employer. This puts the sector in a strong position to support parents in setting up free schools.
The main man
With a general election only months away, the Conservative Party is in pole position to win. That means that the next likely education minister is Michael Gove MP. Here he answers questions put to him by Andrew Maiden
Andrew Maiden: Will the Conservative Party (CP) seek to toughen up the public benefit requirements for
independent schools (ISs)? If so, how?
The Lib Dems’ view on independent schools
David Laws MP sets out his party’s strategy
In a free society, parents should be free to choose independent, fee-paying, schools for their children, if they wish to do so. I am impressed by the sacrifices that many parents are willing to make to secure the best education for their children.
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The shame of the sector
John Richardson of the ATL implores independent school leaders to treat their members with the respect they deserve
Easter 2009 provides the first opportunity for the independent sector to assess the impact of the economic recession on pupil numbers. This is because of the traditional time-lag between the recession – generally accepted to have started in April 2008 – and its effect on pupil numbers; and the term’s notice required from parents thinking of removing their child from September.
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Poor marking
Richard Russell criticises league tables for their inability to recognise true quality
I have been particularly aware of the importance of league tables. Parents at our school noticed it when Colfe’s was misrepresented in the DCSF government league tables for GCSE results in 2008. The Evening Standard was first to report that only 56 per cent of Colfe’s pupils gained at least five A*-C grades at GCSE, although the actual figure was 100 per cent. To our further detriment, all the main papers followed suit the next day.
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