New chairman for ISA

7 January 2003

Michael Hewett, headmaster of The Old School, Henstead, Suffolk, is the new chairman of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) for 2003.

Mr Hewett has been in his present post for 16 years and previously taught at Moulsford Preparatory School, Oxfordshire, at Bickley Park, in Bromley, and at The Downs School, Colwall, Worcestershire. A former county cricketer (briefly), he qualified as a physical education specialist but, with a degree also in mathematics and education has taught across a range of subjects up to age 13. Apart from sport, he has interest in music and the theatre and can be also found directing musicals at school. He is married with two children.

The Old School Henstead is a co-educational preparatory school of about 120 pupils set in rural North Suffolk close to the River Waveney. It draws pupils from the towns of Lowestoft, Beccles, Bungay and Southwold, as well as the outlying villages. It celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004.

Mr Hewett has been involved with ISA for over ten years. He has chaired its membership and INSET committees and currently sits on the inspections committee. He is also an ISI team inspector.

He says: "I believe that education should be enjoyed by all concerned. This is best achieved in an atmosphere of enthusiasm for success (both individual and shared) and tolerance for other peoples' opinions. I also believe that teachers have a responsibility to do their best for the pupils and should be allowed to work in an environment that supports their efforts. Independent education provides teachers with the best opportunities to do just that."

The Independent Schools Association is one of the five professional associations of heads within the Independent Schools Council. ISA's 285 member schools educate nearly 66,000 pupils of all ages.