Careering

Mike Piercy was educated first in Africa and then sent to a boarding school in the UK, and he stumbled and careered his way into teaching. In time he moved into leadership and became Head of three Prep Schools over a 25-year period. Those who taught him might be surprised by this, and on reflection he would be inclined to agree with them.

His memoir follows the curious characters he met along the way, who shaped his educational philosophy and eventual approach to leadership. Some bizarre events almost defied belief but taught him to expect the unexpected. He also describes how independent schools, and Prep Schools in particular, have some freedom to nurture individuality and can be appealingly eccentric.

Many readers will know little about Prep Schools, which are often surrounded by mythology. The book sheds light on their strengths, what they offer young people and how they can be led through challenging economic and socio-political times. Leadership comes up throughout, but it is not a leadership manual.

Having taught thousands of children, small and large, bold and reticent, and having worked with their parents, Piercy offers his personal experiences to encourage and inspire confidence in parents, and at times to amuse them, since he knows parenting can be tough.