Society of Heads

Society of Heads. The Society of Heads is an independent, fee-paying association of headmasters and headmistresses from independent schools in the United Kingdom, including Eton College, Harrow School, and Charterhouse School. Founded in 1951, the organization aims to promote the interests of its member schools, such as Rugby School, Cheltenham Ladies' College, and Malvern College, and to foster collaboration and cooperation among them, as seen in partnerships with University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. The Society of Heads has a long history of working with other educational organizations, including the Independent Schools Council, Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, and the Girls' Schools Association.

● History

The Society of Heads was established in 1951 by a group of headmasters and headmistresses from leading independent schools in the United Kingdom, such as Winchester College, St Paul's School, and Wellington College. The organization's early years were marked by close ties with other educational institutions, including University College London, King's College London, and the London School of Economics. Over time, the Society of Heads has expanded its membership to include schools from across the United Kingdom, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with members such as Glasgow Academy, The High School of Glasgow, and Campbell College. The organization has also developed relationships with international schools, such as International School of Geneva, International School of Amsterdam, and the United Nations International School.

● Membership

Membership in the Society of Heads is open to headmasters and headmistresses from independent schools in the United Kingdom, including Bedales School, Benenden School, and Canford School. The organization has a diverse membership, with schools ranging from small, rural institutions like Bryanston School and Felsted School to large, urban schools like City of London School and Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School. Members of the Society of Heads also include schools with specialized focuses, such as Mill Hill School, which has a strong emphasis on music and the arts, and Royal Hospital School, which has a strong naval tradition. Other notable member schools include Dulwich College, King's College School, and University College School.

● Governance

The Society of Heads is governed by a committee of headmasters and headmistresses elected by the organization's membership, including representatives from Tonbridge School, Sevenoaks School, and Kingston Grammar School. The committee is responsible for setting the organization's strategic direction and overseeing its activities, in consultation with other educational organizations, such as the National Association of Head Teachers, National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers, and the Association of School and College Leaders. The Society of Heads also has a close relationship with the Department for Education, Ofsted, and other government agencies, as well as with organizations like the BBC, British Council, and the Royal Society.

● Activities

The Society of Heads engages in a range of activities, including conferences and seminars on topics such as education policy, teaching methods, and school leadership, often in partnership with institutions like University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, and University of Bristol. The organization also provides training and professional development opportunities for its members, such as headmasters and headmistresses from Repton School, Oundle School, and Uppingham School. Additionally, the Society of Heads publishes research and guidance on issues related to independent education, such as admissions, curriculum design, and pupil wellbeing, often in collaboration with experts from Institute of Education, National Foundation for Educational Research, and the Centre for Education Research and Practice.

● Notable_Members

The Society of Heads has a long history of notable members, including headmasters and headmistresses from some of the most prestigious independent schools in the United Kingdom, such as Eton College, Harrow School, and Charterhouse School. Notable members have included Anthony Seldon, former headmaster of Wellington College and Tony Little, former headmaster of Eton College, as well as Dame Brenda Desmond, former headmistress of Lady Eleanor Holles School. Other notable members include Sir Peter Vardy, former headmaster of Kingston Grammar School, and Dame Judith Hancock, former headmistress of St Mary's School, Ascot. The organization has also had members who have gone on to become prominent figures in education policy, such as Lord Adonis, former Minister for Schools, and Michael Gove, former Secretary of State for Education.

● Criticisms_and_Controversies

The Society of Heads has faced criticisms and controversies over the years, including concerns about the elitism and exclusivity of independent schools, as well as the organization's relationship with the Department for Education and other government agencies, such as Ofsted. Some have also criticized the Society of Heads for its perceived lack of diversity and inclusivity, particularly with regards to the representation of state schools and disadvantaged communities, as highlighted by organizations like the Social Mobility Commission and the Runnymede Trust. Despite these criticisms, the Society of Heads remains a prominent and influential voice in the independent education sector, with members such as Bedford School, Haileybury School, and Ipswich School continuing to play a significant role in shaping education policy and practice in the United Kingdom. The organization has also worked with other groups, such as the National Education Union, Association of Teachers and Lecturers, and the University and College Union, to address these concerns and promote greater collaboration and cooperation between independent schools and the wider education sector.

Category:Education in the United Kingdom