Headmaster appointed

The West London Free School's Headmaster, 51 year old Thomas Packer, has served as Headmaster of the independent Teesside High School near Stockton on Tees for the past five and a half years. The co-educational, non-selective school caters for students aged 3-18. Prior to that, Mr Packer was Headmaster at Stover School in Devon which caters for pupils of a large number of nationalities as both boarders and day pupils.

Mr Packer's first acting headship was at Victoria College, an all-boys school with a mixed Sixth Form in Jersey, where he previously also served as Deputy Head. Mr Packer has also worked as Head of Science at Downe House School for girls and before that as Housemaster (a pastoral position) at Hereford Cathedral School.

Here he talks about his new appointment and tells us what he has planned for the school.

Q: You’ve just been appointed as the headmaster of West London Free School. Can you tell us what attracted you to the role?

Tom Packer: The chance to work with parents, pupils and staff to shape the West London Free School from its very beginning is, for me, an unmissable opportunity.

The parents and teachers who have backed this school have a strong and compelling vision for The West London Free School. They see it as a place where pupils will receive the kind of classical liberal education that will encourage them to think for themselves and achieve to the very best of their abilities. That's something I am also passionate about. I see my role as taking that vision forward to create a setting where everyone who studies and works here feels able and inspired to do exactly that.

The music specialism is also very exciting. As a semi-professional musician, I play timpani, percussion and flute and I believe that music has something special to offer all pupils.

Q: And what experience do you bring to your new role?

A: I’ve been a Head for more than 10 years and have experience in both the independent and state sectors. I’m joining the West London Free School after five years as Headmaster of Teesside High School, a non-selective independent school, for children aged 3 to 18. The High School's most recent inspection report praised our educational results and our 'outstanding pastoral care'.

Q: What kind of culture are you hoping to create at West London Free School?

A: Academic achievement will of course be at the centre of what we do. But at the school's heart will be the understanding that pupils cannot achieve unless all aspects of their emotional and social wellbeing are equally prized. Pupils will receive outstanding pastoral support and will be encouraged to participate in a full range of activities that develop all their skills so that they are ready to play their part in the world.

Q: It’s proposed that the school will be in temporary accommodation before moving to its permanent site. What measures will be in place to ensure pupils’ education is not affected?

A: We’re fortunate that we have a proposed temporary site that is away from the proposed permanent site. This means that there will be no disruption to pupils as a result of any building or refurbishment work.

During my 10 years as a Headmaster I’ve successfully overseen the design and build of a range of school developments. I will be focused on ensuring that everything possible is done to ensure a smooth transition of pupils to their permanent site when the time comes.

Q: You’re joining the school in April, what will you be doing between then and when the school welcomes its first pupils in September?

A: Well, once the names of our first 120 pupils have been finalised I hope to be meeting them and their parents and carers so I can start to get to know them before the start of term. I’ll also be introducing myself to local Primary School Heads and other partners, such as The Lyric Hammersmith, whose involvement will add to pupils' rich and varied experience. There will also be plenty to do setting up the temporary site with resources and planning ahead for our permanent site.

Q: Has the rest of the Senior Leadership Team been identified yet?

A: The school has been overwhelmed with applications from teachers inspired by our vision, including a Professor of Classics at a prestigious American university. One of my main jobs between now and September will be to assemble a truly outstanding leadership team.