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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New SHMIS chairman

5 January 2005

Joe Peake, headmaster of St George's College, Weybridge, is the new chairman of the Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses of Independent Schools (SHMIS) for 2005.

Educated at St Cuthbert's, Bolton, and Queen's College, Oxford, where he read chemistry, Mr Peake began his teaching career at Manchester Grammar School. In 1984, he was appointed head of chemistry at Millfield School and later curriculum deputy, before taking up his present post eleven years later.

He chaired the SHMIS Education Committee for 6 years and was a founder member of the Independent Schools Inspection Committee. As a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC), he chaired the HMC London South Division in 2001. Married, with three children, Mr Peake is also a lifelong supporter of Bolton Wanderers football club.

On his year in office, Mr Peake commented: "This will be an exciting year for SHMIS. With a new General Secretary and the expected opening of the first-ever designated SHMIS office in Leicester, we are in a better position than ever not just to provide a good support to members but also to preserve and encourage the unique nature of the smallest of the ISC Associations.

"With the focus upon charitable status and fair access into higher education it will be imperative to ensure that the range of schools which SHMIS represents should be heard."

St George's College, Weybridge, is a co-educational Roman Catholic day school with 830 students (which has grown from 480, nine years ago), aged 11-18. It also has a Junior School of nearly 600 pupils making it the largest Catholic independent school in England and Wales. It is also the largest school in SHMIS, destroying the myth that SHMIS is an organisation consisting of only small boarding schools. Particularly well known for music and sport, St George's currently holds national championships in hockey and tennis.

The Society is one of the five professional associations of heads in the Independent Schools Council. Its 90-plus member schools represent enormous educational variety. They all strive for academic excellence across the ability range yet include specialist music schools of international repute, schools offering outstanding and pioneering dyslexia support, opportunities for vocational education, and a wealth of experience in boarding.