Welcome to our final issue of 2019!
The end of the year is a good time to reflect and think about positive changes to make going forward. Last December I talked about my first few months working in and learning about the world of independent education, and this year I’ve got to dig deeper into the sector, finding out what really matters to school leaders.
I have continued to enjoy hearing stories from independent schools and have admired the unequivocal support for the sector I’ve witnessed in the face of challenges.
These challenges have been addressed in our special report, where we have asked five experts five questions about the year in education. Do the recent announcements from the Labour party conference concern those asked? How are they responding to students’ mental health needs, and what’s in store for next year? All this and more on page 51.
Speaking of the future of education, one independent school in Glasgow is certainly shaking things up. Kelvinside Academy has invested £2.5m in an innovation school where problem-solving is key, and grades are no longer given.
Believing that the focus on exams is not a narrative that is strong enough for many children, the school is delivering an education to fit the needs of the modern workplace. To find out more, turn to page 46.
Enjoy the issue, and have a great Christmas break.
Jo Golding
Editor, Independent Education Today
