110. Leadership Insights from an Award-Winning Head of School (Helen Pike)

Leading a great school requires many diverse skills that enable both the students and adults in the school to thrive. In September 2023 I had the honour of attending the Tatler School Awards in London UK, hosted by Tori Cadogan, the Education Editor at Tatler (interview in episode #35). Tatler Schools Guide is a magazine dedicated to shining a light on the top K-12 schools in the UK and is owned by Conde Nast. This was an exceptional occasion as Tatler Schools Guide was celebrating its 20th anniversary. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of visiting Magdalen College School in Oxford, a very special school, whose Head won the ‘Best Head of a Public School’ at the Tatler School Awards. I had the opportunity to speak with students and teachers and hear their experiences at this wonderful school. In this episode, I speak to the Head about what it takes to run a successful school, and how to create a culture of learning. Helen Pike is Master of Magdalen College School, Oxford. She is the ISC representative on UCAS Council, sits on the Sutton Trust Advisory Board, and is a member of the CASE Global Board. Educated in the state sector, she read Modern History at the University of Oxford, was a postgraduate student in the USA, and taught at the University of Warwick. She enjoyed a variety of teaching, pastoral and academic roles in leading independent schools before becoming Headmistress of South Hampstead High School. She is a writer, academic editor, school Governor and trustee of a newly-founded school in Uganda. Links: Helen Pike https://www.mcsoxford.org/master-helen-pike-wins-best-head-of-a-public-school-at-tatler-schools-awards-2024/ Magdalen College School https://www.mcsoxford.org