Headmaster? No, children...call me 'lead learner'

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Class of equals: Matt Chappel with two of his pupils

For generations of children, the Head was an authoritative, even slightly frightening, figure who commanded respect throughout the school.

But now as modern educational theories whittle away at the traditional role of head teacher, a London primary has jettisoned the familiar title and now refers to him as a "lead learner".

The rebranding is seen as an attempt to create a more informal and inclusive classroom atmosphere.

But it has been condemned as another dumbing down of the educational system.

The move follows controversial Government guidance to teachers that asking pupils to put their hands up to answer a question could disadvantage more timid classmates.

Matt Chappel, who has run Thornhill School in Islington, North London, for three years, says he wants to show the children that adults have a lot to learn, too.

But critics say attempts to "democratise" schools by pretending pupils and staff are all on the same level are misguided.

Although Thornhill is in an affluent part of Islington, its 400 pupils come from a wide range of backgrounds and many speak English as a second language.

Earlier this year it received a glowing Ofsted report, with inspectors congratulating Mr Chappel on his "outstanding leadership".

They said his "clearly articulated vision is widely shared by adults and pupils alike".

But others in the world of education were sceptical about the latest trend.

National Association of Head Teachers president David Tuck insisted that an oldstyle head was best for discipline and academic standards.

He said: "Our view is that every school should have a head teacher and that no other title should be used.

"One person needs to be the leader and to take responsibility, even if it's a shared vision."

Dr Martin Stephen, the head of fee-paying St Paul's School in Hammersmith, West London, said: "It is entirely right to say that no teacher ever stops learning.

"But you go to a school as a pupil to be taught and if your staff are learning all the time then it's pretty rough on the pupils.

"It's a bit like calling Gordon Ramsay chief turkey."

Earlier this year some Thornhill parents complained when two etchings by Jake and Dinos Chapman - known for their tortured images of limbless bodies - were auctioned to raise money for the redevelopment of the art block.

Jake Chapman has a daughter at the school. There was also surprise when it was revealed that Thornhill dinner ladies have been sent for training with the head chef at Britain's first certified organic pub, the Duke of Cambridge, which is near the school.

Mr Chappel declined to discuss his new job description.

But in a statement he said: "Thornhill School promotes and values high-quality learning - and I aim to lead by example.

"I want to show pupils that learning is not something that stops when they leave school, and that even as adults there is still plenty to learn.

"So I see this new title as a better reflection of my role and purpose."

 

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