A member of my team brought something to my attention: without my knowledge, I had been the subject of an anonymous social media attack on both my leadership and our wonderful school.
While I would normally dismiss such anonymous commentary, I felt compelled to share my thoughts on what seems to be an increasing trend – anonymous online reviews containing baseless accusations.
Hiding behind anonymity and making unsubstantiated claims has, unfortunately, become commonplace, particularly in international schools. Reading untruths about my school; a school that has been built, with so much love, passion and dedication (not to mention, time), is undeniably difficult.
A number of fellow heads have written about this growing issue – the unchecked ability for anyone to anonymously write whatever they like about an individual or a school online, without evidence or accountability. Whilst free speech is of course everyone’s right, it is a concerning trend, and one that will likely only become more prevalent.
Hiding behind anonymity and making unsubstantiated claims has become commonplace in international schools.
My instinct is usually to ignore such things. I prefer to focus on the positive, address real issues that can be tackled, and dedicate my time and energy to our children and my team. However, these recent comments, coupled with similar experiences shared by other heads, have prompted me to reflect and respond.
Rather than engaging in an online back-and-forth, I reached out directly to the anonymous reviewer, offering them an in-person meeting with me, if they genuinely wanted to understand our school. Unsurprisingly, I received no request for such a meeting.
Leading a prep school is a privilege, but it is certainly not without its challenges. Headship is hard. We must make difficult decisions, have uncomfortable conversations, and most importantly, prioritise the needs of our pupils – even when those decisions are unpopular.
Is any head perfect? No.
Is any teacher perfect? No.
Am I perfect? Absolutely not. And I will be the first to admit and respond when I make a mistake.
It is well known that headship can be a lonely role. Every head faces adversity, but the highs of leadership far outweigh the lows – and the day that balance shifts, it’s time to step away from the profession.
I reached out directly to the anonymous reviewer, offering them an in-person meeting with me.
The best moments of headship are public, celebrated, and widely recognised; the hardest moments are often faced alone. Headship is a profession of highest highs but also lowest lows – there’s little in the middle. It’s a reality that is truly understood only by those who have walked this path themselves.
I would challenge anyone quick to critique a head’s leadership to step into their role for a month, experience the weight of responsibility, and truly understand the complexities of the job – better yet, apply for a headship themselves. Only then can fair judgment be made.
Before taking to the internet to post malicious reviews, I urge individuals to pause and reflect. The damage of unfounded criticism extends beyond the human being holding the role of headship.
Unfortunately, we as a team must now brace ourselves for the inevitable fallout, even from this article, which distracts us from our core mission: ensuring the best outcomes for our pupils.
I will, however, not stand by and let our school, and the brilliant work taking place within its walls, be unfairly tarnished by baseless accusations from those hiding behind anonymity.
I encourage honest and open dialogue. If you have concerns, put your name to them.
During my career, I have no doubt that another difficult but necessary decision will spark yet another wave of unkind, anonymous online comments – perhaps from those who do not fully understand the complexities of prep school education.
Will that prevent me from making those tough decisions, when they are in the best interests of the children and our school? Absolutely not.
What I do encourage, however, is honest and open dialogue. If you have concerns, put your name to them. Come into the school, talk to us, ask questions, seek facts. Do not sculk behind anonymity.
Thankfully, any parents who have come across these reviews have asked about and discussed them with me – often with a knowing smile. Anyone within our school community understands that our focus is always on the children, kindness, and excellence. Our external and independent inspections reflect this.
To any prospective teachers, parents, or pupils reading anonymous online reviews – be discerning. Think twice, and contact the head. Not everything you read is true.
This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of International School Magazine, out now.
