There is no doubt that schools take mental health more seriously than they did a decade ago. Many now have counsellors, wellbeing leads, mindfulness programmes and dedicated pastoral teams. These are all positive developments and have undoubtedly helped many young people. But I sometimes wonder whether we're asking the wrong question. Instead of asking, "How do we support pupils when they are struggling?", should we also be asking, "Why are so many pupils struggling in the fi

According to today's TES, recent survey data suggests that more than a quarter of secondary schools in England do not offer any vocational qualifications at Key Stage 4 (for pupils aged 14–16). I suspect that the proportion is even higher among independent schools, where the curriculum is often centred on more traditional academic pathways. The TES also reports that technical pathways are more commonly offered in disadvantaged areas. That raises an interesting question. Do fa

"...a family starting Reception this year at an average-priced school is looking at roughly £410,000 by the time their child finishes sixth form. At a sought-after London day school, that figure climbs towards £670,000." — Antonia Medlicott, The Times When families are making a decision involving this level of financial commitment, they deserve more than a polished prospectus and a couple of hours at an open morning. Schools quite rightly invest in presenting themselves at th