DURING your time so far as chair of the ISA, what have been your main achievements?

At association conferences I have assisted in bridging gaps across the sector. We now have a far more cohesive independent sector as a result of this year's chairmen working so closely together. The ISA has a development plan and my target for this year was to raise the profile of the association. Alongside my work with the National College of School Leadership, I have organised a leadership conference which has focused on our global responsibility. In 2003 HIV and Aids were a real issue and I was sponsored by the Millennium Commission to run leadership workshops on how to improve Aids awareness within South Africa and in the UK. The ISA allowed me to draw attention to the problem, by speaking at the conference and inviting other world leaders to do the same. Most recently my work has centred on the leadership debate and ways of developing training for all teachers within our schools. Along with other directors of the ISC, I have also managed to influence the Government's view on our inspections service and how early years should be taught and staffed.

How has the position helped you develop learning and structures in your own school?

Inevitably, when anyone steps outside of what is familiar, they see things through fresh eyes and even though Babington House has recently had an exceptional inspection report, there is always more which can be done. Having to think on a strategic level regarding global issues, as well as within the school, has enabled me to scrutinise areas which may need developing. As a result of my networking with other headteachers, my own staff are able to share training at reduced cost, and share expertise with teachers in other schools. Interestingly the pupils have followed my progress and pupils as young as six were confident enough to speak on their views of leadership in front of hundreds of people.

What do you feel is the main area of independent education which needs improving and how would you go about achieving this?

Having worked in both the state and independent sectors, I can honestly say I enjoyed both. I do not, however, feel there is one particular thing which requires improvement. Possibly last year I would have said our partnership across the sectors but there is now marvellous work going on across the country and the spirit in partnership is stronger than it has ever been.

This has been greatly encouraged by Steve Munby at the National College of School Leadership and John Dunford at ACSL but also the current government have recognised the merits of working alongside us. People need to be given the opportunity to focus less on beaurocratic paperwork and league tables and more on enjoying teaching and learning.

How does the inspection of independent schools by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) differ to the inspection of state schools by OFSTED?

The ISI is the body approved by the secretary of state for the inspection of independent schools in England in membership of the Independent Schools Council (ISC). Inspections occur according to a schedule agreed with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and reports on schools' compliance with the independent school standards regulations. Ofsted monitors the work of the ISI on behalf of the DCSF and publishes a report on performance each year. The ISI's inspection teams are led by professional reporting inspectors and then a peer review element is included. A team of inspectors serving heads and senior teachers, in independent schools, bring their knowledge to their inspection work.

What provisions are being made to make independent education more accessible - are subsidised scholarships something you encourage?

According to the 2008 ISC Census, 31.4 per cent of pupils at ISC schools receive some kind of financial help with fees. Nearly 80 per cent of those receiving help receive it from the schools themselves, through bursaries and scholarships. Increasingly, there has been a move towards raising the allocation of fee assistance as bursaries and away from scholarship, in order to offer support to those most in need.

What are your career ambitions for the future, now you have achieved your position of chairman of the ISA?

The role of chairman has been a wonderful opportunity to explore my strategic vision but I am also looking forward to applying more of what I have learnt in my own school, as well as continuing to contribute to the various committees involved in improving the life chances of children.