The Salopian Winter 24/25

4SCHOOL NEWSView from the PentagonNew Rules for Interesting TimesMay you live in interesting times.According to Terry Pratchett, and othervenerable sources, this sentence can beuttered as both a blessing and a curse. Itis sometimes offered as the first part ofa trilogy of sayings, with the next twobeing: May you come to the attentionof those in authority and, thirdly, Maythe gods give you everything you ask for.Although I confess to only reading oneof Pratchett’s Discworld novels (to seewhat all the fuss was about), it’s clearthat his ability to conjure up alternaterealities of ‘serious fun’ was exceptional.At Shrewsbury, we continue to deliverour distinctive whole person education,under our banner of ‘serious fun’, inwhat are undoubtedly ‘interesting times’for anyone inhabiting the world ofindependent education. For many years,independent schools have been ableto thrive under the relatively distant,benign and often admiring gaze of theDepartment for Education. Inspectionregimes ensure that we are not justcompliant with the many regulationsthat rightly shape and structureboarding schools, but that we are alwaysimproving.As independent schools, we areresolutely apolitical. We have beenfree to innovate in the curriculum, todeliver world-class pastoral care and avast co-curricular offering, and generallyadvance the all-round 24-7 educationthat makes English boarding schoolsthe global gold standard. In this sense,whilst the ‘referee’ has been on thepitch, she has largely let the game flow.However, at the time of writing, we areadjusting to a new referee and a new setof rules. Since the previous issue of thisexcellent and long-running publication,we have the first Labour Governmentin 14 years, a Secretary of State forEducation who is openly hostile toindependent schools, and a Chancellorof the Exchequer whose 30th October2024 Budget statement gave the mosthostile news for independent schools inour history.The imposition of a consumer tax oneducation – a policy that is almostunique in the world - will see theadvent of VAT on ‘private’ school feesfrom 1st January 2025. As well asVAT on fees, we have the additionalprospect of the removal of BusinessRates Relief and an unexpected hike inemployers’ NI contributions in April2025. Other groups in society will alsobe feeling the pain – we think of thefarming community and pensioners,for example. However, it is fair to saythat independent schools have certainly‘come to the attention of those inauthority’.So, there is a new ref on the pitch: andit feels as though they are blowing thewhistle every time we touch the ball.This presents a challenge. How do werespond? Do we argue with the ref – forexample, through legal challenges andmedia carping? Do we take our ballhome – for example, by pulling backfrom our Partnership and CommunityEngagement and transformative bursarywork? Or do we play on and try to finda way back into the game – throughmore successfully communicating thevalue of our game, as we adapt to theharsh reality of new rules?---These are definitely ‘interesting times’.The ‘curse’ of these policies – the shrillwhistle of the new ref – is self-evident.Schools and parents alike have had toabsorb and adapt to a tough financialreality. Aside from the bruisingimpact of a hasty midyear unbudgetedimposition, the knock-on effects andsubplots of this new narrative threatento do significant damage to theecosystem of independent education.And the alleged (and entirely noble)benefits of helping to provide moreteachers and resources for the statemaintainededucation sector, may proveto be a work of fiction.But are there any blessings? Well, yes.There are. Firstly, there is the blessingof opportunity. We are in a time ofchange. We will not compromise on thedelivery of whole person education, theSalopian Way. We will stay true to thevirtues that guide us day-to-day, to theessence and spirit of the School. But wedo need to adapt and future-proof. At

SCHOOL NEWS 5the strategic level, we are re-modellingwhat an independent school is. We needto engage in a constructive dialoguewith the new authorities to ensure thethriving of an education system ofwhich pluralism and choice should behallmark features.There is actually no such thing as asimple distinction between state andindependent education. The reality isthat there are lots of types of schools –multi-academy trusts, stand-alone freeschools, local-authority maintainedschools, state boarding schools, faithschools, specialist schools – and so on.There are lots of players on the pitch.Each has their value; their needs; thesetting they serve. There is no doubt thatindependent schools such as Shrewsburyprovide exceptional quality in thepupil experience. If we took our viewof education from the top tier of thestadium – or the bird’s eye perspectiveof the blimp above it – we would see themakings of a team.---This is idealistic stuff: but those workingwith the young should surely be fuelledby idealism, tempered with healthypragmatism. And that is where I findmyself as I write this piece. I am proudof the education that ShrewsburySchool provides for our pupils. And Iam equally passionate about the role weplay in the wider community and thenational education system.So, we have our new referee – withmany laudable aims and a strongsense of fair play. How do we gether to understand our game better?The key challenge is to persuade thecurrent administration to listen to avoice that is globally respected andrepresents a slice of the nation’s children:the English independent educationsector. We need more advocacy fromour many state school partners.Shrewsbury is nationally respected forits huge programme of Partnership andCommunity Engagement. Our workwith the Alpha Academies Trust in Stokewas recently showcased in the nationalpublication Celebrating Partnerships.Our 120-year plus relationship with TheShewsy, our bursary programme, ourwork with over 50 state school partners,our role as champion of the cross-sectorcharity the School Partnerships Alliance– these are not tokens. They are real,mutually-beneficial, active partnerships.Parents have a right to choose theeducation they want for their children.We have to work hard to keep it inreach. Whilst independent schoolshave a primary duty to the parents whochoose to pay for the education that wework so conscientiously to provide, wealso have a wider, deeper social duty.Our pupils benefit from being part ofwider circles. This is not one-way traffic.It is part of whole person education. It ispart of our game.---When the referee’s whistle blew at theend of the England Schools U18 FACup Final, Shrewsbury School wrote asignificant line in its sporting history.We became Champions of England,2024. The world’s oldest copy of theLaws of the Game resides in the School’sMoser Library. Salopians played aprominent part in the meetings heldto codify the game in 1863. (Refereesdidn’t actually become part of the gameuntil 1871!). This came four years afteranother former Salopian had publishedhis paradigm-shifting, rule-changingwork of scientific enquiry On the Originof Species on 24th November 1859.Salopians like to understand the rules –and to adapt them.So, as we move through these‘interesting times’, we will adapt to thenew rules. We will work hard for ourpupils. We will benefit from excellent,wise Governance and strong, coordinatedleadership; the dedication ofall our staff, both teaching and supportteams. We will keep our sharp focus onthe excellence of the pupil experience.As we play our part in the widerecosystem, we will not swerve from ourcommitment to Survival of the Kindest.In this way, we will thrive. Because, weare not just excellent; we are good.---The game-clock is ticking as we moveinto this new, alternate reality – these‘interesting times’ that are uponus. “Play on,” says the ref, puttingher whistle in her pocket. “May thefootballing gods give you everything youask for,” chants the crowd. Or, as wemight otherwise put it, Floreat Salopia!Leo Winkley