I have been an accredited mentor with HMC since the programme began in 2018. 

 

"More than anyone else, Simon understands the day to day reality of school life and how much trouble you have to take over culture if you are to set a school up for success. He has an extraordinary empathy with our Head based on deep experience of the role. He talks and writes with verve and passion. He understands all aspects of teaching, finance, teamwork, governance and leadership. Above all, he understands the impact of the leader and how to maximise it. I cannot recommend him highly enough.”

Clive Schlee, Chair of Governors, Woodbridge School

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I benefited greatly when I began my headship from the kindness, acuity and wisdom of an excellent, experienced deputy head. I would have liked a really good mentor from outside the school, too.

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“Simon was a great help as I started my journey as a Head. His experience saw him able to support and challenge me as needed, and he always approached our conversations with empathy and understanding. Simon took the time to travel to my school to better understand my context, replied to my text messages and was always available for a call. His counsel made a really positive difference in how I approached various situations as I navigated the start of my career as a Head."

Eugene du Toit​​​​, MA, MBA, Headmaster, Wellington School

 

Nothing can match a person who knows what it’s like to do a job, who understands the ebb and flow of a school’s tides and seasons, the roles and personalities, the challenges and the joys…

 

…yet who is completely separate from the situation, completely on your side and answerable to no one but you, objective and able to make time, to listen and ask informed questions…

 

…and be a sounding board, nit-picker, suggestion menu, devil’s advocate, straw man, safety valve and critical friend who can say: “Stop! Think!”

 

I am that person.​

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