Author Archives: jameswilding

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About jameswilding

Academic Principal Claires Court Schools Long term member & advocate of the Independent Schools Association

Claires Court: Resilience, Vision, and Futures 2025

Posted on 28/08/2025 by jameswilding

As we reflect on the past year and look towards the promising horizon of “Claires Court Futures 2025,” it is with immense pride and profound gratitude that we present this annual report. Claires Court’s journey has always been one of … Continue reading →

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“Be Curious, Not Judgemental” – Walt Whitman

Posted on 11/07/2025 by jameswilding

At the close of this Academic Year 2024-25, I’ve sought to summarise the lessons I’ve learned over the last 12 months, In Blog 1 advised “Speak truth, build and give trust”, Blog 2 “Show up on time, know the text … Continue reading →

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“Show up on time, know the text and have an idea.“ – Tom Hanks

Posted on 04/07/2025 by jameswilding

In this second of my 3 blogs written to summarise my world of work over the last year, I am building on the core words of advice I set out last week for politicians to consider: “Speak truth, build and … Continue reading →

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“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.” William Shakespeare – Measure for Measure.

Posted on 26/06/2025 by jameswilding

26 June 2025 As we reach the conclusion of this academic year, I’m writing 3 blogs to summarise all the joys, fears, pains and hopes that have populated  my world of work as Academic Principal. This first is largely a … Continue reading →

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The High Court decision on the TAX change by the Government (part 2)

Posted on 19/06/2025 by jameswilding

Claires Court is one of over 1400 private schools who form part of the Independent Schools Council. The ISC Board met on Wednesday, 18 June. Below is the statement that was issued by ISC to all schools at 12 noon … Continue reading →

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The High Court decision on the government’s decision to impose VAT on Independent School tuition fees was published at 10am on Friday 12 June 2025

Posted on 12/06/2025 by jameswilding

The challenge the High Court judges had to determine is best summarised by the poster statement below; the High Court has concluded that, despite the difficulties the Government’s VAT policy will cause schools and families, it has not breached the … Continue reading →

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“Time passes, Lives change, but Memories last forever.”  Reflections on Thank a Teacher day.

Posted on 05/06/2025 by jameswilding

National Thank a Teacher Day is an annual celebration of teachers and support staff across early years settings, schools and colleges. This year it will take place on Wednesday 18th June 2025. Last year over 82,000 Thank a Teacher Day … Continue reading →

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‘Death is swallowed up in Victory’ – The Reverend James Wilding 1781 – 1863

Posted on 22/05/2025 by jameswilding

During this term, and not for the first time as part of the Year 3 curriculum, they have been studying the history of Claires Court School, and as a consequence of their searches of old magazines etc. the year group … Continue reading →

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“Conversation is a catalyst for innovation.” – John Seely Brown*

Posted on 16/05/2025 by jameswilding

Our annual Parent survey assists us – Principals and Heads – in hearing the voices of our customers, celebrating the successes and noting the ‘pointers for improvement’ as appropriate. All our staff met at the start of this term with … Continue reading →

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Lamplight of Peace – lessons from VE Day

Posted on 09/05/2025 by jameswilding

80 years ago, over 5 million British men and women were recruited into the armed forces and deployed across the world. Thursday, 8 May 1945, saw Germany’s formal unconditional surrender, marking the end of World War 2 in Europe. While … Continue reading →

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