Foreword

The school year is over and the blessed peace of the summer holidays is upon those of us still working away somewhere in the echoing emptiness of the school buildings and grounds! Alleluia!

But, of course, that’s not an entirely accurate picture!

In addition to summer schools and other events which take advantage of students’ absence, the long holiday period is also a key point in the year when major projects are undertaken. For many school staff – and the contractors who work alongside them – this is one of the busiest times of the year, as Pamela Muir – Gordonstoun’s Bursar – explains and celebrates in her article, A Balancing Act (p13).

It is crucially important that we don’t undervalue the contribution – or needs – of the non-teaching colleagues who help to keep our schools operating throughout the year. In Upskilling and Reskilling Your Staff (p17), Penny Godfrey outlines why she believes their welfare and career development, alongside that of the teaching staff, should be at the forefront of every SLT’s mind. This is, of course, equally true in relation to a school’s legal responsibilities for Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health, as outlined by Louise Brentlund (p20).

This edition of Independent School Management Plus also carries an in-depth interview with Vanessa Ward, the ISI’s CEO and Chief Inspector, who discusses the new Framework 23 evaluation process which is likely to feature on the agenda of many of our schools in 23/24 (p6).

So, good fortune to those of our readers working away onsite this summer and happy holidays to those lucky enough to be away relaxing. As our communities foregather again for the Autumn Term, let’s be sure to value all our colleagues whatever they may do and ensure everyone on staff is properly recognised, rewarded and supported.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts!

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Editorial Advisory Board

Dr Helen Wright Educational consultant, former Head of St Mary’s Calne and President of the Girls’ Schools Association

Tory Gillingham

AMCIS CEO, former Marketing Director at Pocklington School and Marketing and Development Director at St Peter’s School, York

Heather Styche-Patel leads the Consultancy Services Practice and Commercial Leadership Appointments at RSAcademics.

Ian Hunt School board member in the UK and Middle East, leader of international educational projects and a contributor to the national press

Richard Harman

CEO of AGBIS. Previously Headmaster of Aldenham and subsequently Uppingham. Past Chairman of the BSA and HMC

Louise Bennett CEO of IDPE (the Institute of Development Professionals in Education)

Robin Fletcher CEO of the BSA and the BSA Group

Nick Gallop Headmaster, Brighton College International School, Bangkok; regular contributor to the TES and editor of Politics Review

Donna Stevens CEO of the Girls’ School Association

Mark Taylor Bursar, King’s School Canterbury; previously Chairman, ISBA

6

6 In Conversation With Vanessa Ward CEO & Chief Inspector, ISI

20

Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health

Celebrating the Impact of Schools’ Development

41 Talking Point Hybrid Board Meetings What is right for your school?