Repton School Headmaster's insights into building a global reputation in education

Schools must prioritise reputation and innovation if they are to succeed in an increasingly globalised educational market, says Repton School's headmaster Mark Semmence.

Semmence has shared his insights into how to build a global reputation in the education space in a 2022 report from executive recruitment consultants Wild Search.

The research paper, A Culture Of Innovation: British Schools Overseas, looks at globalisation in education, focusing on British schools that expand overseas. In his contribution to the report, Semmence revealed a "glimpse of what new thinking in education can look like."

Building a Strong, Global Reputation

In his article "Innovation in Action - Building a Global Reputation," Semmence discusses what increasing "globalisation and democratisation of education" means for schools looking to grow nationally or internationally.

Successful expansion depends on a school creating a "well-earned climate of trust." In other words, building a strong reputation in the public eye by communicating a "clear vision and a purposeful, beneficial ambition."

Semmence explains that schools can guarantee their reputation by ensuring coherence across factors like:

●       Academic aims.

●       Staff recruitment.

●       The cultivation of human values and skills.

●       The pursuit of roundedness.

Coherence in Practice: Repton and Vinehall

Semmence uses Repton and its growing Family of Schools as an example of how prioritising coherence is a must when expanding into new locations.

Repton, in Derbyshire, has acquired Vinehall School, located 200 miles away in East Sussex. This move demonstrates Repton going beyond "capturing a steady stream of pupils to Repton School," from focusing on a "geographical footprint" to what Semmence calls an "attitudinal ‘mindprint'".

"We saw in Vinehall a prep school where there is coherence in academic intent, the development of values, skills, and the overall growth of the child into, quite simply, a good person," Semmence notes.

"With a basis of common goals between the schools, we know that we can develop and thrive thanks to a shared, firmly held vision for education," he adds.

While Vinehall and Repton are both in the UK, Semmence explains that the principle holds for any new school, no matter its location.

Embracing Technology and Innovation

According to Semmence, fostering an "expectation of innovation" is equally as important as developing and maintaining a strong reputation.

When it comes to offering educational services on a global scale, Semmence emphasises the importance of embracing technology for teaching and learning and continuously looking for areas to innovate.

Ancient Language, Modern Learning

One example of innovation through technology from the international Repton Family of Schools is the "Repton Latin Online" programme.

After identifying that other countries may have an interest in learning Latin, Repton sought to share the knowledge of its "superb" UK classics teachers with a wider, global audience through an online programme.

Now, Repton UK's classics teachers, some of whom have more than 20 years of experience teaching Latin and Ancient Greek, lead "Repton Latin Online." The programme has several enthusiastic pupils in Abu Dhabi and Dubai who are preparing to sit GCSE and A Level exams in the subject.

Semmence notes that approximately 1,000 years ago, Repton's Old Priory was a site of Latin learning. Now, technology has helped the School take the language back to "the cradle of civilisation."

Sharing Knowledge Across International Schools

The potential for broadening access to the "immense talent" of Repton teachers doesn't stop with Latin. Semmence imagines pupils across the global Repton Family of Schools learning "Mandarin taught out of Xiamen," "Arabic out of Dubai," or "part of a geography course on deserts out of Abu Dhabi."

"Imagine the power of RE's comparative religions course being taught by our staff who are based in the centres of different world faiths," he adds.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Semmence states that creating and living up to a quality reputation requires schools to actively demonstrate and prove their capabilities.

"Much more is needed than simply putting the name on the door," he writes. "For me, the most important thing is not to say that we are innovative, but to demonstrate innovation in action. Not to say that we are inspirational, but to show the inspired child."

The Global Family of Repton Schools

A pioneer of British schools in the global market, Repton established Repton School Dubai in 2007. Since then, the Repton Family of Schools has grown to include other outstanding schools spanning three continents.

Repton's UK schools include:

●       Repton School.

●       Repton Prep.

●       St Wystan's.

●       Vinehall School.

Repton's international schools include:

●       Repton School Dubai.

●       Repton Abu Dhabi, Rose Campus and Fry Campus.

●       Repton Al Barsha.

●       Repton Xiamen.

●       Repton Malaysia.

●       Repton Cairo.

The Repton Family of Schools delivers the ethos and premium standards of Repton UK across an ever-expanding global community. Serving both local and international families, the group provides pupils with a world-class education, excellent facilities, and superb teachers.

Learn more about the Repton Family of Schools.

About Repton School

Repton School is one of the UK's foremost co-educational secondary schools for day pupils and boarders aged 13 to 18. Situated in the village of Repton in Derbyshire and surrounded by the idyllic British countryside, the School offers pupils an exceptional, all-encompassing education.

Educating since 1557, Repton School seamlessly combines centuries of tradition and heritage with the pursuit of excellence in a modern world. The School's first-class facilities, high-quality teaching, and comprehensive Pastoral care create the perfect environment to help pupils learn, grow, and achieve their potential.

Good Schools Guide 2022 describes Repton as sitting "comfortably among the top co-ed boarding schools for academic achievement" and excelling "in terms of value added."

Beyond the classroom, dedicated staff encourage Reptonians to explore their unique strengths and interests. Whether shining onstage in the theatre, flourishing on the sports field, or finding creative self-expression through music, Repton pupils enjoy a sense of balance in all areas of school life