SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES & CHAMPIONS

Editor’s LETTER

The British, said Clement Attlee, have the distinction ‘above a l l other nations of being able to put new w i ne i nto old bot t le s w it hout bursting them.’ Nowhere is that more true than in our independent schools. Not just adaptable for now, these beacons of excellence – up and down the countr y – are constantly look ing to explore what a good education will look l ike in the future, and whom it can ser ve.

That ph i losophy i s what i nspi re s t h i s a nnua l i s sue – it ’s a chance to discuss how best to share those educational innovations with the children who can benefit most. And it ’s a l so a moment for us to showcase some of t he e x t r aord i na r y pupils we are introduced to: the brightest minds, the most ta lented musicians, the highest achieving sportsfolk.

This issue is a lso ver y special to us as it plays host to the winners of our annual School House awards. As ever, we have been inundated with entries for our categories which focus on what schools are doing for mental health, happiness and satisfaction inside the gates, and how they work with the wider community beyond. We’re delighted to honour schools for the way they are working to reduce their carbon footprint and how they use animals to support their pedagog y. But no spoilers here – turn to page 12 for the full results and prepare to be wowed.

Of course, no October edition would be complete without a closer look for parents at how to apply for a bursar y for their child and, on page 22, Alice Smellie has the answers and tips you need to get started. On page 32, Sally Jones looks down the other end of the telescope to reveal how schools are finding new ways to increase those bursar y places.

In this issue, we’re a lso tak ing a look at a bril l iant charit y called the Iris Project, which aims to inspire a new generation of young environmentalists (p26) and tak ing time to meet a dedicated school governor (p29) for whom ser v ice to his sons’ school is aimed at helping others to make the most of their experience there.

Lastly, as ever, you’ l l find thoughtful contributions from head teachers ac ros s t he i ndependent sec tor who have been generous enough to share their time and thoughts on topics around assisted places. We’re grateful as ever for their insights.

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Seeds of Hope, p26

School House Awards, p12

Boomtime for Bursaries, p32

Bursaries: All You Need to Know, p22

, S U S S E X

; R O ED E A N

I D L A N D S

M, WE S T

S C H O O L

I H U L L

; S O L

T E A M

S PA R S A

; PR O J EC T

, S U FF O L K

CO L L EG E

I N G H A M

: FR A M L

PH OTO S