Fresh Thinking from Attain

Joining Matthew this week is Stuart Douch and David Buckingham from Sompting Abbotts Prep School in West Sussex. We discuss how spending time learning about wildlife can be hugely beneficial for children, not just as a learning opportunity but also to help boost pupil wellbeing.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Emma Goldsmith of The Dragon School and Kate Reynolds of the Royal High School Bath GDST. We discuss school communications – how to ensure parents are always in the loop but don't feel overwhelmed by the quantity of information coming home.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Richard Backhouse, Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group and Chair of HMC. Independent schools have once again found themselves in the political spotlight – we discuss charitable status and Labour's tax plans.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Jason Whiskerd of Brentwood Preparatory School and Irfan Latif of DLD College and a founder member of the Inclusion and Diversity Group of the Independent Schools Council. We discuss diversity, tolerance and equality in the independent sector.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is William Goldsmith, Vice Chair of the Independent Association of Prep Schools, IAPS, and Head Master of St George's School, Windsor. In a wide-ranging interview, he discusses the pressure on schools and teachers during the pandemic and why the role of prep schools should be reimagined.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Paula Mortimer, Head of the Junior School at Lady Eleanor Holles in London and Mark Mortimer, Headmaster of Bryanston School in Dorset. We discuss how parents can help their children take transitions in their stride – whether it's going up a year group or moving to a new senior school.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Ceri Jones, Headmaster of Caterham School in Surrey and Richard Harman, Chief Executive of AGBIS – the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools. We discuss the role of governors in a school, how they shape the direction of development and how boards should reflect diversity.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is John Towers, Headmaster of Homefield Preparatory School in Sutton and Richard Backhouse, Principal of the Berkhamsted Schools Group and Chair-Elect of HMC. We discuss the transformative effect of bursaries and how schools can work in partnership to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Gabrielle Solti, Vice Principal at the Grammar School at Leeds and Rob Simmons, Headmaster of St Benedict's Junior School, Ealing. What should parents do if their child tells them they are being bullied? We discuss how to assess the situation and support your child to find the right solution.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Rebecca Smith, Head of Stroud School in Hampshire and Terry Ayres, Headmaster of Leehurst Swan School in Wiltshire. We discuss how books enable children to escape into a world of imagination and excitement – but how can parents help their children to read more and spend less time on devices?Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Kate Gater, Headmistress of High March School in Buckinghamshire and Chris Burch, Headmaster of Birkdale Prep in Sheffield. We discuss the right time to buy a child a mobile phone and how to ensure children use all electronic devices as safely as possible.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Jeremy Banks, Headmaster of Caldicott and Claire Belk, Headmistress of Bellan House, Oswestry School. We discuss how parents should best approach the tricky issue of complaints – and ensure they receive the most helpful resolution to any potential problem.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Emma McKendrick, Headmistress of Downe House and Thomas Garnier, Headmaster of Pangbourne College. We discuss the skills pupils gain from the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, as well as the hugely rewarding sense of service.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Jill Walker of Maltman's Green and Giles Tollit of Horris Hill. The start of the Summer term brings the hope of a return to normality. We discuss how children will adjust and the challenges which still lie ahead.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Nick Pietrek of Thorpe House and Bill Sawyer of Yarm Prep. With the Easter holidays fast approaching, we discuss how parents should encourage their children to use this time and whether they should be worried about 'lost learning'.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Sarah Fletcher of St Paul's Girls' School and Stephen Jones of St Edward's School. We discuss the case for GCSE reform and whether the time has now come – after more than 30 years – for radical change to make the exam more relevant for today's world.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Simon Larter-Evans of St Paul's Cathedral School and Suzie Longstaff of Putney High School for Girls. We explore the admissions process for senior schools and ask if competition for places is putting too much pressure on children – and  too much stress for parents.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Colin Baty of Bedales Prep School and Alastair Speers of Sandroyd School. We discuss how schools are preparing for the return of all pupils and what the priorities should be to ensure the wellbeing of everyone.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Mark English of University College School and Emma Goldsmith of Winchester House. We talk about how the lack of certainty in life can be a particular challenge for both parents and pupils, having a big effect on anxiety.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Emma Hattersley of Godolphin School and Gareth Jones of St Andrew's Prep Eastbourne. We talk about the problem of monotony and how parents can try and avoid a growing sense of 'Groundhog Day' with home schooling.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Fionnuala Kennedy and Claire Boyd of Wimbledon High School GDST. We discuss how the learning opportunities for STEAM – science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths – are being shaped by the pandemic.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Emma Taylor of Dean Close School and James Dahl of Wellington College. We discuss examinations and how the pandemic is continuing to disrupt A Levels and GCSEs – what is the best way to ensure pupils get the grades they deserve?Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Tim Smith of Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep, Andy Falconer of St Peter's 8-13 and Julie Robinson of ISC. We discuss how to make home schooling as positive an experience as possible for children – and how to be kind to yourself as a parent.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is our special guest, Vivienne Durham, Chief Executive of the Girls' Schools Association (GSA). We look back on an extraordinary year for all schools and what the future of education will look like for schools, pupils and parents.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Andy Boyle of Barfield School and Rosie McColl of Brighton Girls. We discuss two very different examples of community outreach – and the effect the pandemic has had on this.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Tim Hands of Winchester College and James Priory of Tonbridge School. We discuss how boarding has had to adapt due to the pandemic and some of the positive effects these changes have brought to school communities.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is David Griffiths of Old Buckenham Hall School and Henry Price of Oakham School. We explore the issues involved with pre-testing – a process designed to help senior schools find the right candidates but something which is often stressful for both parents and pupils.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Kate Reynolds of The Royal High School, Bath and Olivera Raraty of Malvern St James Girls' School. With in-person Open Days not an option, we explore how the virtual admissions process has provided some surprising benefits for parents and schools.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Jeremy Walker, Headmaster of St Peter's York and Charlie Minogue, Headmaster of Moor Park in Shropshire. We discuss how the arrival of choristers at St Peter's continues an almost 1,400 year-old tradition – and whether schools can teach creativity to children and what they can do to help develop creative thinking.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Kit Thompson, Head of The Unicorn School, Kew and Matthew Bryan, Head of Longacre School, Guildford. We look at the changing nature of the parent-school relationship and ask whether the rise of virtual parents' evenings and the live streaming of concerts is something which will continue long after the pandemic.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Olivia Buchanan, Headmistress of Falcons Prep Richmond and Leo Winkley, Headmaster of Shrewsbury School. We look at the growing discussion surrounding whether the pandemic has actually changed education for the better – and how our use of language is so important at the current time.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Charles Fillingham, Headmaster of Francis Holland School, Regent's Park and Jane Prescott, Headmistress of Portsmouth High School. We discuss how you can teach your child the essential skill of perseverance and why getting a good night's sleep is so critical for us all.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Clemmie Stewart, Head of Surbiton High Prep Schools and Rebecca Glover, Principal of Surbiton High School. We discuss the new concept of 'trampoline parenting' and the positive advantages it offers parents and children.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Susan McLean, Head of Kitebrook Prep and Nina Kingsmill Moore, Head of Glendower Prep. We discuss how the changes needed for socially-distanced pick up and drop off has had unintended positive consequences – including significantly boosting children's confidence and independence.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

Joining Matthew this week is Sarah Segrave, Head of Eaton House The Manor Prep School and Julie Robinson, Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC). We discuss a new school year in the midst of a pandemic – how can families best prepare for the term ahead? And how will independent schools adapt to the new normal – we look at the challenges facing the sector.Fresh Thinking is the weekly podcast which looks at the issues affecting independent schools and parents today, presented by Matthew Smith, Editor of Attain.

'Fresh Thinking' is a new podcast from Attain. Join Attain's Editor, Matthew Smith, as he talks to some of the leading Heads in the country, as well as some other special guests, about the issues that really matter in independent education. We will be launching our first episode shortly and hope you will join us.