Since taking over as Headmaster of Shiplake College nearly 13 years ago, Gregg Davies has been a member of the Society of Heads. The Society of Heads exists to promote independent education, fostering effective partnerships with other independent school associations and encouraging high professional standards among members. In addition, Gregg has been a member of its Education Committee for eight years, and a member of the Main Committee for four years. He is now set to take over as Chairman in September of this year, having been nominated by an existing member for the position and winning the resulting vote. Gregg will be the second Shiplake Headmaster to assume the post, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Nick Bevan.
Gregg commented: ‘I am very much looking forward to assuming the position of Chairman and furthering the progressive work undertaken by the Society. My overall aim will be to support the members with the Society, helping the Heads to provide an appropriate and balanced curriculum within their schools. I feel passionately about encouraging pupils to develop and foster key skills and attributes, allowing them a competitive advantage in the driven world of modern employment. Each Chairman hosts a conference, which is a showcase of his or her beliefs. The title for my conference will be: Old Dogs: New Tricks. I hope to emphasise how the marriage of traditional qualities, such as those instilled in me from my time in a comprehensive school - the old dog - with modern educational theory - new tricks - can form the solid foundation for leading a school in the ever-changing landscape of today’s society. I will also explore how schools can instigate the practical application of these modern theories, providing an essential understanding of instruction not only within the classroom, but also in the value-added offered by schools, nurturing individual, enthusiastic and resilient pupils.’