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Independent schools face the extraordinary challenge of the rise of the ‘educational consumer’ – parents who know what they want and expect value for their money. In a time of austerity, how can we continue to deliver the best education money can buy? Headmaster Alex McGrath travelled the length and breadth of England to canvass the views of his colleagues. With remarkable honesty, these Headteachers share their views about the challenges facing the independent sector: from Government attacks, Press misrepresentation, demanding parents, and rising prices.

What emerges is a vivid picture of the diversity and challenge of leading schools today. While encouraging Heads, the author also calls on governors and staff to engage with this challenge, support their leaders, and help them to demonstrate the energy, courage, creativity and integrity to sustain schools that are the envy of the world.

Alex McGrath took over as Head of King's Ely in September 2013 from a recent Headship at Leighton Park School, Berkshire. Prior to this he was Deputy Head at Trent College, Head of History and boarding housemaster at Cheltenham College, and has worked at Epsom College and The Manchester Grammar School. He began his working life as a member of the police force. “This book should be on the reading list of every Head, bursar and chairman of governors.” Gerry Holden, Headmaster of Dover College and Chairman of The Society of Heads’ professional development committee