Issues for Schools

A selection of articles from past issues of Attain which look at the issues affecting schools.

The Challenge of the 'S' Word

The definition of 'academy' has quietly changed - under the Coalition they can now also be academically selective. Michael St John Parker asks why selection is still such a sensitive issue. More...

Challenges Facing Prep Schools

Prep schools face an array of challenges - but these can also represent opportunities for schools. John Tranmer, Chairman-Elect of the IAPS, offers his perspective on how the sector will overcome and thrive despite them. More...

How Independent is Independent?

All three major political parties propose radical changes to education. Andy Falconer, Chairman-elect of IAPS, looks at the current threats to the independent sector and highlights the great value of 'independence'. More...

Institutional Obesity?

Thinking the unthinkable, Contributing Editor of Attain, Michael St. John Parker, asks whether boarding schools are putting on too much weight. More...

Losing their individuality

Though prep schools still show individuality, Contributing Editor, Michael St John Parker, suggests that senior schools seem almost embarrassed by any imputation of distinctiveness - has political correctness gone too far? More...

Talk of Morality

A senior Headmistress recently expressed frustration at the level of criticism levelled at independent education. Michael St John Parker analyses the historical hostility to the sector. More...

Inspections Unravelled

All independent schools are subject to regular inspection and most prospective parents will read ISI reports of potential schools closely. John Tranmer explains how ISI works and outlines some options for the future. More...

The Future of IAPS

David Hanson, the new Chief Executive of IAPS, talks to Attain about the organisation?s future direction and how it aims to reinforce its position as a ?gold standard? for prep school education. More...

Those Who Can, Teach

The training of new teachers is increasingly taking place in the classroom. But is it good for the children or the school to have 'green' wannabe-teachers in the classroom? Sally Hobbs explains. More...

Making the Switch to Co-Ed

When a single sex school switches to co-education, the reaction from parents is nervously anticipated. For Richard Merriman, Headmaster of Birchfield, the surprise response was: why haven't you done this sooner? More...

Meeting the Needs of Pupils

Schools have a responsibility to meet the educational needs of all their pupils. Finola Stack, Headteacher of James Allen's Preparatory School, looks at the role of the 'gifted and talented' scheme. More...