New chairman for ISA

9 January 2007

ISA was founded in 1879 and is one of the oldest of the independent school Heads' organisations. It exists to provide professional support to headteachers and opportunities to their staff, and to offer a wide range of sporting and cultural activities to pupils in around 300 schools.  ISA schools educate approximately 70,000 girls and boys.

Joan Mumby today commented on the three key areas she will focus on during her year in office:

Celebrating real choice

"We know that children thrive in the right environment. The increasing scale of both state and independent schools means that ISA members are often the only providers of the smaller, more personal learning experience in which every child is known and their real potential can be fully appreciated. Dodderhill is a prime example of such a school - offering academic and creative inspiration supported by a family, friendly ethos."

Education preparing children for life

"Whether the school is selective or inclusive, preparing young people for the modern world requires more than good performance in league tables. It also needs committed teachers, motivated pupils and a culture in which every child is expected to succeed. ISA schools provide a broad and balanced curriculum supported by comprehensive extra-curricular activities and a clear emphasis on the ‘whole child'. Competition in the creative arts, drama and sport at Area and National level provides opportunities for talented children to shine."

Partnership with parents

"ISA schools serve pupils from a wide range of backgrounds and incomes. They are affordable and work hard to make sure that parents' determination to invest in their child's education and give them the best possible start is realised."

Commenting on her role as chairman of ISA, Joan added:

"The decision to become a teacher was not something I entered into lightly; it is hard work and carries a huge responsibility. I have enjoyed every post throughout my 29 year career, and being a head is not only extremely rewarding but one of life's great privileges. Being elected chairman of ISA for 2007 is the final accolade and I am looking forward to working with the other ISC association heads in demonstrating the huge value our schools and young people bring to this country."

Note to Editors

Joan Mumby was educated at Bankhead Academy, Aberdeen before reading foreign languages at Strathclyde University and taking a Diploma in Education and a PGCE at Aberdeen University.  Joan served four years with the WRAC, permanently attached to the Royal Army Educational Corps and working in army education centres in Britain and Germany.  Joan first taught at Clwyd CC, North Wales, where she was promoted to head of department and later to assistant head. She joined the independent sector in 1992 at Rydal School, moving to the newly created Rydal Penrhos in 1998.

Joan was elected to the Executive Council of ISA in 2002, and has been chairman of the Professional Development Committee since January 2004. Joan is married with two children. She enjoys travelling, golf and the theatre.

Dodderhill School
Originally a separate junior and senior school located six miles apart, Dodderhill is now a thriving through school with its own Ofsted registered 33 place day nursery with a reputation for excellence in the creative arts and close links with the local community.