The Head

Do you need to like the Head? In this chapter, Matthew explores the role of the Head and why whether you like her or him is actually not something to worry about. Far more important is whether they are 'doing a good job' and you have confidence in their leadership of the school – and its future direction.

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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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Disclaimer: Independent education has a wide range of views and the use of quotations does not imply that these contributors share the same views as the author. The views and opinions of the author may also not necessarily be shared by all schools mentioned in this book. The author and publishers do not warrant, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the contents are error-free and shall not be liable for any loss, however arising, as a result of the information contained in this book.

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