In the first episode of our new series 'Taking the Reins', experienced IAPS Member Head Nina Kingsmill Moore talks to Adam Mallins, in his first year as a Head at Chandlings Prep School in Oxford, about his unique journey into Headship and the choices that shaped his path. Drawing on his varied career experiences, Adam reflects on how a clear sense of purpose has guided his leadership approach, sharing insights on career transitions, mindset shifts, and the importance of self-awareness in building a strong, resilient, and positive school culture.

In this episode, Katherine Bluck, IAPS Head of Professional Development, is joined by Emma Lewry, an Early Years specialist and Louise Wakefield, Head of Pre Prep at St Faith’s Cambridge, to discuss the impact of play -based learning and continuous provision. Together, they explore how play supports children’s cognitive, social and emotional development, and challenge the idea that it lacks academic rigour. Drawing on their experience, they share practical examples of how thoughtful, intentional play can lead to meaningful and lasting learning outcomes.

Focusing on executive leadership this episode is hosted by IAPS Director of International Nick Robinson, with guest speakers Guy Ayling, Headmaster and Principal of the Mount Kelly Foundation in Devon, and Director of Prep Schools for the Mill Hill Education Group, Leon Roberts.

Together they discuss their respective journeys to executive leadership, the lessons they have learnt along the way and the advice and inspiration they would share with aspiring future executive leaders.

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.