The Head
When it comes to things to consider, the Head is normally pretty high up the list of parental priorities. It boils down to a simple question: do you like her or him? Why this ends-up being a priority in parents' minds is probably down to all those latent issues discussed earlier: the baggage parents unavoidably bring to the process of choosing a school. Bluntly, whether you like the Head or not is actually irrelevant. Far more important is whether they are 'doing a good job' and you have confidence in their leadership of the school.
The situation also shifts slightly depending on the school you are choosing. If you are looking at a small prep school, the Head is someone you will have regular contact with and hear from on a weekly basis at least. If he or she makes your skin crawl that might be a problem. With a large senior school, you may only need to endure contact at a prize-giving or similar event and so it's perfectly possible to get through a five-year stretch and not have much to do with the Head. Where this can be an issue is if you encounter any problems, need to complain and...
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I'm delighted to see this well-informed guide for parents navigating the bewildering yet crucial task of picking 'the right school'. Matthew's sensible and practical advice draws from his extensive experience with independent schools and as a parent. This is a very helpful read for parents of school age (or younger) children.
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I've known Matthew for many years; he offers clear, sensible, and unbiased advice, drawn from his extensive knowledge of the sector, and I'm delighted to see his expertise translated into this thoughtful and practical guide for parents. This book is invaluable for those navigating the often overwhelming process of choosing an independent school, helping parents focus on what truly matters, rather than rankings, hype, or marketing spin. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
