Issue 130 - 2024 Spring term

As Geoff Barton bids farewell, he reflects on his seven years as General Secretary, thanking members for their support for what he says has been the greatest job in education – serving you.

Chair of ASCL’s Women Leaders’ Network Becky Arnold reflects on the inspirational and vital role women have played throughout ASCL’s 150-year history.

As ASCL’s oldest and one of its longest-standing members, 94 year-old past president Geoff Goodall’s encounter with an interviewer set him on a path that would see him at the forefront of education reform, and a career that spanned over five decades. Here, he talks to Dorothy Lepkowska.

Proud ASCL member and Senior Deputy Headteacher Helen Wakefield takes readers through her own changing relationship with trade unions.

ASCL General Secretary Designate Pepe Di’Iasio is immensely proud to represent members across the UK and in all sectors of education. Here he sets out his plans for the future of the association.

Trust CEO John Camp OBE speaks to the belief that many of the answers to the challenges we face reside in the experience, passion and expertise of educators across phases and sectors and that together we can shape the solutions.

ASCL Director of Policy Julie McCulloch on ASCL’s 150 years of engagement with policy.

The latest information from our colleagues across the nation.

Assistant Headteacher Rich Atterton shines a spotlight on ASCL’s remarkable 150-year history and says the story of the association is really the story of you, its members.

William Richardson explains how lockdown created a golden opportunity to recover, catalogue and permanently preserve ASCL’s 150-year history.

Primary education has a rich and vibrant history, evolving over centuries to become the system we know today. Tiffnie Harris unveils the fascinating tale of how education for the youngest minds has transformed from its humble beginnings.

Sixth form education is still a relatively new concept in the context of the last 150 years of education. Kevin Gilmartin looks back at how our present sixth form sector has evolved.

Emma Harrison takes readers on a 150-year journey of school business leadership.

From individual support and advice from our hotline and officers to the advice and guidance provided throughout the pandemic and beyond, here ASCL members share their memories and interactions with us and send their best wishes to the association.

Headteacher Tanya Douglas says she’s extremely proud to be one of the longest serving members on ASCL Council – the engine room of the association’s policymaking.

An exclusive offer^* to provide private medical plans for ASCL members has been arranged with the Hospital and Medical Care Association (HMCA), including a £50 gift card or £100 off your first year’s subscription upon joining a private medical plan.

ASCL’s profile in the media has remained high throughout the past 150 years. Here we learn about the issues within the world of education back in 1874.

Guidance from Browne Jacobson LLP

Carl Smith shares a headmaster’s log from 150 years ago and it may or may not surprise you that many of the challenges of the past remain to this day.