The Independent Schools Council is a politically independent, not-for-profit organisation representing 1,270 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. It exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education, developing talent at all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.

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SHMIS Chairman addresses annual conference

3 March 2008

Ian Power, Chairman of the Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses of Independent Schools (SHMIS), has today addressed the association at its annual conference in Bristol.

Mr Power, headmaster of Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire, took the format of the 1980s book of John Rae's letters as his theme for the speech, and considered the issues of public benefit and league tables. In addition, he stressed the need for independent boarding schools to consider giving places to children at risk of going into care.

Public benefit
Responding to the Charity Commission's Public Benefit Guidance, published in January, Mr Power called on the government to take the initiative that the Charities Act offers and "invest in the education of more young people in SHMIS schools through schemes such as the Lord Wandsworth Foundation."

League tables
Mr Power criticised the annual cycle of league tables that, in his view, "leave a misleading impression that the ‘best' schools are those that achieve the best academic results, irrespective of the innate academic abilities of the children."

He also argued that the best schools are those that take children of all abilities and offer them real success, both academically and in their ability and willingness to make a significant and meaningful contribution to society.

"Indeed", he added, "the small school culture enjoyed by the majority of SHMIS schools (most have fewer than 500 pupils) helps a child to feel part of a community, resulting in SHMIS schools achieving high levels of success with children who, in most maintained schools, the government would expect to fail."

Graduates
Mr Power concluded by highlighting the benefits offered by the small school culture prevalent in SHMIS schools which enables pupils to develop skills including communication, social adeptness, confidence, creativity and initiative. He told members that as a result, "many former SHMIS pupils have gone on to develop entrepreneurial careers, rather than focusing on a more academic path."

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

SHMIS Conference 2008
The SHMIS Conference 2008 is taking place at the Holland House Hotel in Bristol on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th March 2008.

SHMIS
The Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses of Independent Schools (SHMIS) is an association of headteachers of 100 leading independent schools, educating 50,000 pupils. The association was formed in 1961 when a group of heads decided they needed a forum in which to share ideas and experience. Since then, SHMIS has grown substantially in size, reputation and effectiveness and is one of the five heads' professional associations within ISC. It represents small and medium-sized independent schools throughout the UK and has valued overseas members. Many SHMIS schools have a boarding tradition; a number are at the leading edge of education in music, dance and the arts; and several are well-known for their effective support for those with learning difficulties.

Ian Power
Educated at Guthlaxton College in Leicestershire, Ian read Natural Sciences specialising in Physics at Girton College Cambridge. Ian began his teaching career in 1983 at Aylesbury Grammar School, subsequently moving to the King's School, Worcester as Head of Physics and then to Millfield as Head of Science. Ian took up his present post as headmaster of Lord Wandsworth College in 1997. Ian was Chairman of the SHMIS Education Committee for three years and has continued to represent the association on the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Committee. Ian has also been a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses (HMC) Central and East European Projects.

Lord Wandsworth College and the Lord Wandsworth Foundation
Lord Wandsworth College was established after the First World War for the education of children who had lost one or both parents. The Lord Wandsworth Foundation continues to award a number of places annually to pupils who have lost the support of their parents through death, divorce or separation. The work of the Foundation is central to the ethos of the College, which is based on the conviction that each individual matters and that each has valuable qualities. The College is co-educational with 530 pupils aged 11 - 18. It is located in 1200 acres of Hampshire countryside and is easily accessible from London and the south coast.

Press enquiries: Alexandra Caish, Head of Press, ISC

Telephone: (office) 020 7766 7060 (mobile) 07885 620713
Email: alex.caish@isc.co.uk