Building on our recent Excellence Visit to Dumpton School, IAPS Head of Strategy Katie Walker speaks with the school’s Head Christian Saenger and Annabel Billinger, Director of Character Education at Cheam School.

Together, they reflect on the work they have led in their schools, how these initiatives came about, and the ways they secured buy-in from both staff and parents, highlighting the importance of developing pupils’ character alongside strong academic progress.

In the latest episode of our series celebrating Significant Strengths in member schools, Kate Bevan, Chair of the IAPS Education Committee and Head of Junior School at Notting Hill and Ealing High School, is joined by Lotte Goldthorpe, Director of Sport and Activities at Belmont Mill Hill Prep.

Together, they explore the initiatives that earned Belmont recognition from ISI for its outstanding focus on co-curricular provision and the thoughtful approach taken to embed it across the school.

In the latest instalment of the IAPS Journal Club series, host Tim Smith, Head at Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep, is joined by Head of Pre-Prep at Wells Cathedral School, Rebecca Perdrix; Will Goldsmith, Head at Packwood; and Katherine Bluck, IAPS Head of Professional Development.

Together, they explore what curiosity actually is, the importance of schools scaffolding it for the benefits of wider learning and how to keep children’s curiosity alive throughout their education journey.

Articles:

1. Curiosity in schools: https://shorturl.at/TP962
2. Curiosity can influence metacognitive processes: https://shorturl.at/of56n
3. Nurturing curiosity and creativity in primary school classrooms: https://shorturl.at/YrXX1
4. Process Account of Curiosity and Interest: A Reward-Learning Perspective: https://shorturl.at/liXIz

Welcome to a new regular series of the IAPS Podcast: Life After Headship, hosted by former IAPS member Bill Toleman. In this inaugural episode Bill is joined by Cathy Braithwaite, who served as Head of Gresham’s Prep School until summer 2025. She is now part of the University of Cambridge’s Better Futures Programme and will, later this year, relocate to Hong Kong to become the founding Head of a new school. Cathy reflects on her decision to step away from Headship in the UK, the process of exploring new professional possibilities and how she has embraced the opportunities that come with a significant career change.

In this episode of the IAPS Podcast, published jointly with AMCIS, IAPS Head of Professional Development Katherine Bluck and Sophie Lodge, Head of Marketing and Communications at Beaudesert Park School, join Katie Henderson, Head of Marketing & Admissions at Banstead Prep School, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, particularly focusing on parental expectations and market dynamics.

In this episode of the IAPS Podcast, Head of Professional Development Katherine Bluck is joined by Victoria Bagnall, Co-Founder and Director of Training and Development at Connections in Mind, and Lisa Pinkerton, Head of Education at Widgit. Together, they delve into practical strategies and fresh ideas for creating learning environments where every student feels supported and empowered. From leadership approaches to classroom techniques, this conversation is packed with insights for educators who want to make a real difference.

In this episode of The IAPS Podcast, Chair Tania Botting is joined by Elaine Rawlings, Head of Primary at the British School Al Khubairat. Together, they explore Elaine’s journey to becoming a Head in Abu Dhabi, draw parallels between her school and those in the UK, and highlight the benefits of IAPS membership to an international school.

This conversation sets the stage for our Middle East Leadership Symposium on Thursday 22 January, which The British School Al Khubairat will host. This unique event will provide the opportunity to network with professionals from leading international schools, as well as listen to and engage with leading UK educational speakers.

In this episode of the IAPS Podcast, Chief Executive Dominic Norrish, leads an insightful discussion with Rhian Thornton, Head at Upton House School, and IAPS Subject Adviser for Computing, Curriculum Design and Digital Innovation, Matt Warne, Head of Computing and Digital Learning at RGS The Grange. Together, they explore how Upton House has become a leader in technology integration recognised by ISI and share practical strategies for driving digital innovation in prep schools.