A journey through the author’s life, personal and professional, showing how experiences have influenced his educational philosophy, school leadership skills and views on the independent school sector. Offers advice for parents to support their children’s education.

Educated initially in Africa then shipped to a UK boarding school, Mike Piercy stumbled and careered into teaching. Rising in time to leadership he became Head of three Prep Schools over a 25-year period. Those who had taught him might well express surprise at this and, reflecting, he would be inclined to join them. Some of the curious characters he met along the way have informed his educational philosophy and eventual leadership. Bizarre events sometimes beggared belief but developed the skill of expecting the unexpected.

Independent schools – Prep Schools in particular – have some freedom to nurture individuality and can be appealingly eccentric. To the many who will be unfamiliar with Prep Schools (often cloaked in mythology) this book sheds light on their strengths, what they offer to young people and how they can be led through challenging economic and socio-political times. While aspects of leadership feature throughout, this is not a leadership manual.

Parenting can be tough. Having taught thousands of children, little, large, bold, reticent, working with their parents, his personal experiences herein are intended to engender encouragement, inspire confidence and, at times, arouse amusement.