Latest independent school features

4 min read: It was vital for parents to email teachers far more than usual during the pandemic. But the volume of messages has not stopped, as Nina Kingsmill Moore, Headmistress of Glendower Preparatory School, explains.

3 min read: If 90% of what schools do appears to be the same, asks David Griffiths, Headmaster of Old Buckenham Hall, what is the other 10%? For prospective parents, it's the 'magic' they should focus on when choosing a school for their child.

4 min read: As a result of the pandemic, many people feel unable to look ahead and plan with confidence. But we need to refocus on the present, explains Fionnuala Kennedy, Head of Wimbledon High School GDST, and find the joy in the here and now.

4 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.

3 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.

1 min read: Fresh Thinking was the programme from Attain which looked at topical issues affecting independent schools and parents. It ran for over a year with 35 episodes. The first episode was released on 2nd September 2020 and the final episode broadcast on 20th October 2021.

3 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.

3 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.

3 min read: Ensuring the governing body of a school is diverse, inclusive and reflective of pupils is increasingly important for schools. Ceri Jones, Headmaster of Caterham School, outlines why his school has created a Shadow Board of ten alumni, aged under 30.

4 min read: A bursary can completely change a disadvantaged young person's life. John Towers, Headmaster of Homefield Preparatory School in Sutton, explains how his school set up a programme to help children in care – and how other schools can do the same.

4 min read: It's time to stop seeing Latin as a 'dead language', argues Dominic Hodgkinson, Head of Classics at Dauntsey’s School, and instead see it as a humanity that can enhance our understanding of the world today.

2 min read: It is a rare parent who never needs to complain. So how can you complain in a way which is constructive for everyone – parents, pupils and teachers? Attain's Editor talked to Jeremy Banks of Caldicott and Claire Belk of Bellan House, Oswestry School.

2 min read: Many parents look back on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme with fond memories of expeditions beset by mishaps. As society emerges from the pandemic, the unique and very valuable skills DofE teaches pupils have never been more important.

3 min read: Much has changed since the 1980s when GCSEs were first introduced. Despite various reforms, some Heads feel it's time for more radical change. Attain's Editor talked to Sarah Fletcher, High Mistress of St Paul's Girls' School and Stephen Jones, Warden of St Edward's School in Oxford.

4 min read: The real abilities of pupils can be overlooked due to the standardised hoops they need to jump through to gain entry to senior school. Simon Larter-Evans of St Paul's Cathedral School takes a deliberately provocative look at Cognitive Ability Tests.

4 min read: The return to school will be harder for children than after the last lockdown, foresees Colin Baty, Head of Bedales Prep, Dunhurst. But it is also the time to take a fresh approach to how children learn.

4 min read: There is little at present about which we can be certain – except more uncertainty – and this has a big effect on anxiety. Attain's Editor talked to Mark English, Vice Master at University College School and Emma Goldsmith, Head of Winchester House School.

4 min read: Monotony is a common feeling during lockdown. What effect is this having on parents and pupils – and how can we improve this? Attain's Editor talked to Emma Hattersley, Head of Godolphin School and Gareth Jones, Head of St Andrew's Prep Eastbourne.

4 min read: Schools are embracing the concept of STEAM – putting the arts into science, technology, engineering and maths. Attain's Editor, Matthew Smith, talked to Fionnuala Kennedy and Claire Boyd of Wimbledon High School GDST to find out more.

4 min read: Nobody could have predicted the impact the pandemic would have on exams. Attain's Editor, Matthew Smith, talked to two senior school Heads – Emma Taylor of Dean Close and James Dahl of Wellington College – to understand their hopes and concerns.

4 min read: Home schooling is not easy. Attain's Editor, Matthew Smith, talked to two prep school Heads – Tim Smith of Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep and Andy Falconer of St Peter's 8-13 – to get their advice on how to keep cheerful and stay motivated.

3 min read: The new normal is bringing myriad challenges for schools and pupils – especially those at boarding schools. Tim Hands of Winchester College explores what our future educational provision might learn from the past.

4 min read: Open Days are a key part of the admissions process for independent schools but the pandemic makes this impossible. Olivera Raraty of Malvern St James Girls’ School explores how the virtual admissions process has adapted in the pandemic.

4 min read: It's time to rethink our classroom environments, argues Matthew Bryan of Longacre. The skills identified for the future – problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management and coordinating with others – are best developed outdoors.

3 min read: Modern family life means that quality time together can often end-up squeezed. Samantha Sawyer of Staines Preparatory School argues the ‘new normal’ is the right time to look again and try to make more time for family.

4 min read: Perseverance is a critical life skill which is best learnt outside of the classroom suggests Charles Fillingham of Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park. And, ironically, these self-taught lessons can sometimes be some of the most valuable of all.

4 min read: Clemmie Stewart and Rebecca Glover of Surbiton High School outline their concept of ‘trampoline parenting’ – where children are allowed the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from these, whilst being supported by their parents when they fail.

4 min read: The drastic changes needed for socially-distanced pick up and drop off has had unintended positive consequences, explains Susan McLean of Kitebrook Preparatory School. Is it time to rethink the school gate permanently?

4 min read: The new school term will be a uniquely anxious time for children, parents and staff. Sarah Segrave of Eaton House The Manor Prep offers ten suggestions to help ease the return to school.

3 min read: Families glancing at the news find much to potentially worry about, especially during the current pandemic. Julie Robinson explores how parents can help children tackle their worries through greater perspective.

4 min read: Transitions test us and the challenge of starting at a new school should never be underestimated. Tim Hands offers some advice on how to get secondary schooling off to the best possible start.

4 min read: Deciding how to tackle the educational issues of our time requires some reflection. Simon Larter-Evans of St Paul's Cathedral School looks at how the past decade has shaped the educational issues ahead.

3 min read: We are all tested by bullying at some stage in our lives. Julie Robinson of ISC offers some suggestions, and appropriate strategies, to help your child cope if encountering bullying at school.

3 min read: There has no doubt been a seismic shift in environmental awareness recently. Matthew Smith argues that for independent schools to really lead on environmental awareness, parents will need to play their part.