So what has happened in the Prep School world in the last year? The General Election came and went, the result not really a surprise and, as was widely expected, the government made it a priority to levy VAT on fees. We campaigned against it and we support the various, though now seemingly futile actions to challenge it, but critically, we carried on doing what we do best, the important business of providing the highest levels of education and educational experience, about which our esteemed national leaders seem so embarrassed, and feel intent on dismantling, with multiple closures or mergers between schools now taking place and an estimated 13,000 pupils seeking places in already burgeoning state schools.

The reward for our determination, focus and prudent financial management? Following the initial barrage, we retained a full complement of pupils for which you have our utmost thanks and gratitude. I am delighted to share that we have recently witnessed a further rise in interest levels and waiting lists in Robins, which we believe is all down to the unique atmosphere we enjoy and the dedication of our entire staff and, in many cases, because our Russell House families have been telling their friends!

There is clearly no room for complacency and we are acutely aware of the sacrifices that are made to send children and grandchildren to Russell House. But we also know that Russell House families hold our provision in such high regard that they are prepared to make those sacrifices to preserve it. This is not lost on us as an organisation and indeed, it gives us great confidence to know that we are united in preserving the Russell House experience long into the future. Confidence to begin a program of rejuvenation, starting this summer with the Robins refit and the installation of new chrome devices across the Main School including dedicated machines in our after school care provision.

Now, at the end of my thirteenth year as Headmaster of Russell House, I have seen many changes in parental attitudes over time and none more so than an alignment with our stance on mobile devices. On the one hand, smartphones enhance communication with family, providing security and connection. Educational apps can supplement learning and foster digital literacy, an essential skill in today's world. 

On the other hand, there are significant, potentially negative, effects. Excessive screen time can lead to sleep disturbances, impacting mood and cognitive function. Constant exposure to social media and online content can contribute to anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem, exacerbated by cyberbullying and the fear of missing out (FOMO). The development of crucial social skills and emotional intelligence may also be hindered by reduced face-to-face interaction. Attention spans and academic performance can suffer due to constant notifications and distractions.

Ofcom recently reported on the use of devices by the young in the United Kingdom and the statistics are truly staggering. Up to 30% of 6 and 7 years old have their own internet-ready devices. 57% of 8 year olds and 9 year olds have social media access, with 69% of that group having their own profile, despite there already being age limits in place for account holders. Up to 75% of 8 to 17 year olds play games online with 30% of that number playing and chatting with people they do not know.

Artificial intelligence? Perhaps that is all that can balance the real stupidity at the heart of some of these figures and I make no apology for saying so.

It’s tempting to want to take a balanced approach, promoting responsible use, setting boundaries, encouraging a healthy mix of online and offline activities to safeguard children's physical, mental, and social development and this is still instinctively the way to go. However, I’m reminded of Thomas Midgley Jr., the man responsible for adding lead to petrol which, despite his best intentions, proved to be the largest environmental disaster of last century. 

We were quick to remove the lead from petrol in an attempt to reclaim the health of the planet. Will we be as quick to remove the smart from smartphones and seek to reclaim the wellbeing of millions of young lives around the world?

Encouragingly, meeting many families as I do, parents of very young children appear increasingly ready to say no to their children, favouring no, or at least very simple communication tools rather than internet-ready smart devices. I am sure I am not the only grown up in the room to have whiled away a few spare minutes playing Snake! I choose, therefore, to feel hopeful for the future in this regard but urge caution when you find yourself faced with decisions of this kind with your children, if not now, then in the very near future.

Craig McCarthy
HEADMASTER

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