040: An international perspective with Louise Simpson, Head, Exeter School

In this episode, I speak to Louise Simpson, the Head of Exeter School. Louise joined Exeter School, a co-educational, independent day school, in 2020 after spending time as Head at St Paul’s School in São Paulo, Brazil. Through our discussion, Louise and I cover a number of topics, including her perspective on moving back to the UK independent school sector following her time abroad.Firstly, we discuss why Louise got into education and what it was about education that sparked her interest. Louise then reflects on the transition of moving back to the UK following her time in Brazil and what she learned from working abroad and how that international perspective can benefit those working in schools in the UK.  We then talk about the role of character education in the independent schools sector, the importance of developing young people for a world beyond school and giving them skills that will help them to become good citizens.   We discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion, how bursaries and state school partnerships can help independent schools become more accessible, and specifically what approach Exeter School is taking in this area.Finally, we talk about the importance of collaborative leadership and how the COVID pandemic has changed the way school leaders have operated and reinforced the qualities and benefits of collaboration. Episode HighlightsIntroducing Louise Simpson (03:46)How to be more intentionally international (07:20)The role of character education (17:36)The importance of diversity inclusion (23:16)The importance of collaborative leadership (29:18)Download your copy of the free eBook ‘The Strategic Independent School Leader’ at www.consultjuliet.co.uk/ebook Catch up on previous episodes at www.consultjuliet.co.uk/podcastThank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!