The IAPS Podcast

Our latest IAPS podcast brings together expert perspectives from Louise Bennett, CEO of the Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE) and experienced school leaders from St Mary's School Hampstead and Gayhurst School to share lessons, challenges and opportunities from their own development journeys in conversation with Katie Walker. The conversation covers everything from building long-term relationships with families and alumni to creating a development strategy that supports a school's future ambitions.Thank you to our guests -• Charlotte Owen, Headmistress, St Mary's School Hampstead• Tom Wood FRSA, Head of Marketing, Admissions & Development, St Mary's School Hampstead• Vanessa Lakatos, Bursar, Gayhurst School• Amy Cronin, Community & Development Manager, Gayhurst SchoolWhether you're exploring fundraising and development for the first time or looking to strengthen an existing programme, you'll find practical ideas and valuable takeaways in this discussion.

In this episode of our series 'Taking the reins', experienced IAPS Member Head Nina Kingsmill Moore talks to Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield School. We hear about Suzannah's journey from training at LAMDA and her professional career on stage, to moving into educational roles in pastoral care, senior leadership and eventually headship.

In this episode we are joined by Hayden Wood Head of Qualification and Delivery at ISEB with contributions from Ian Nicholas, Deputy Head Academic at Highfield School, Clare Jarmy, Director of Innovation at Haberdashers' Elstree Schools and Sophie Banks, Head at Pembridge Hall School.The conversation looks at how academic topics can be brought to life through applied learning, with a particular focus on how member schools have participated in ISEB’s IPQ programme.

In this episode we are joined by two members of the ASCL team, General Secretary, Pepe Di'Iasio and Independent Sector Specialist, Neil Smith. Together they explore the role of unions for Heads in the independent sector.

In this episode, Katherine Bluck, IAPS Head of Professional Development leads the conversation with education sector experts from HCR Law, Sam Coutinho and Krissy Scott.Together they explore some of the big issues independent school leaders are navigating, such as strategy, mergers and making confident governance decisions.

In the latest instalment of our Head-to-Head series, Maxine Scully, Head at Notting Hill Prep, talks with Head at Cranmore School in Surrey, Barry Everitt.Together they discuss Barry’s journey from his early career as a professional rugby player into teaching, senior leadership roles and Headship. He talks about the leadership skills required for Headship, how he is using his executive coaching training from IAPS effectively and the challenge of talking less and listening more.

Head of Professional Development at IAPS, Katherine Bluck hosts this AI-focused podcast with guest speakers Bianca Farthing, PhD researcher and Founder of AI Edify, Lex Lang, Deputy Head of Innovation and Partnerships at Caterham Prep School and a member of the IAPS Digital Advisory Team, and Ian Silk, Head at Bedford Preparatory School.This conversation was recorded ahead of the AI Conference which took place at Bedford Preparatory School in June 2026.

In the second episode of this series, former IAPS member Bill Toleman hosts a conversation with ISC Chief Executive, Julie Robinson.Together they talk about Julie’s career and how she has been able to take many of the skills gained from teaching and Headship and use them in her high-profile role representing the sector.

In the first episode of this new series that looks at prep schools outside the UK, IAPS Head of International Nick Robinson speaks with Emma Navin, Head of St George's British International Junior School in Rome, and Adam Larby, Head of The King's School Tudor House in New South Wales, Australia.Together they discuss what great school leadership looks like, concerns that affect all school leaders and how to address them and the importance of being adaptable, regardless of geographical location.

In the first episode of our new series 'Taking the Reins', experienced IAPS Member Head Nina Kingsmill Moore talks to Adam Mallins, in his first year as a Head at Chandlings Prep School in Oxford, about his unique journey into Headship and the choices that shaped his path. Drawing on his varied career experiences, Adam reflects on how a clear sense of purpose has guided his leadership approach, sharing insights on career transitions, mindset shifts, and the importance of self-awareness in building a strong, resilient, and positive school culture.