Will le Fleming, founding master of Thomas's College, on education, empathy and the myth of academic success
Next up in the Heads & Tales hot seat is Will le Fleming, the soon-to-be founding master of Thomas's College, a new co-ed secondary school in London that opens its doors this coming September. Will has worn many hats throughout his career, including as a journalist, museum educator and published author (look out for his book, Central Reservation) before his present tenure as head at The Abbey School in Reading. His career has taken him from sword fighting at the Tower of London to senior roles at some of the country's most prestigious independent schools, including St. Paul's and St. Paul's Girls' School.
Now, as Will prepares to launch a school from the ground up, he shares his insights and musings on leadership, mentorship and the things that truly matter in the education of young people. His conversation with Henry Faber exudes the wisdom and warmth of someone truly at home in his field.
🎙️ Episode highlights
Le Fleming kicks off the episode with his philosophy on mentoring, describing himself as a "magpie", gathering insights from people across all walks of life.
He makes the case for kindness in education after a formative experience with a teacher when he was younger.
From a curious job dressing as Queen Victoria in his early teaching career to leading a school through the pandemic, Will ponders the toughest and most rewarding moments of his work to date.
Will is a firm believer that academic attainment should never come at the cost of student wellbeing – "A* + A* + A* + misery ≠ success".
As a published author himself, Will's book recommendations are particularly interesting and are perfect for the curious mind.
Will leaves us with a parting nugget of advice for up-and-coming educators around which jobs you should and shouldn't take.