On the

Tom Hardman goes down to Eaton Square School to ask its Headmaster, Sebastian Hepher, what goes on behind the doors of No.79
ducation in London is a much smaller world than the conurbation it provides for. Sebastian reels off a large list of schools Eaton House feeds, is on rst name-terms with both the local and not-so-local heads, and laughs when I mention Lucy Watts, Headmistress of Eaton House, Belgravia. Well Im quite familiar with her. We did work for years together at Eaton House Pre-Prep before I went off to set up the Clapham Prep in 1993. The aura of the headmaster is interesting. Many wonder whether authority changes people or people change how we think of authority. Mr Hepher has a quiet, understated authority. Whilst sergeant majors may bark and bluster, the impression I get is that Sebastians style of leadership is more the accomplished, self-assured style of the commodore on the bridge. He is clearly successful. He took the Clapham Prep from six to 400 boys. It was not always so easy though. Looking back over a twenty year career he admits I couldnt take the comprehensive school life. I felt as though I was spending more time on discipline than teaching. I ask him whether he nds himself, what with being stuck in three townhouses, a bit short on green space. Well we use the Queen Mother Sports Centre, Battersea Park and Royal Hospital Gardens all the time. One can imagine a great

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public school in the counties having so much at their disposal but can they go sailing? We can, down at Surrey Quays. We make the most of having almost everything at our ngertips. Some of the more obscure things on the sporting menu include fencing, karate, skiing and ballet for the boys. Of far greater concern than green space is tutoring, the bte noire of many Headmasters in London. He articulates the three main problems: Firstly, some children are losing their childhoods as they spend the waking hours at home with tutors after a hard day here at School and this is also done at the weekends. Secondly, children are losing their condence as they spend time with their tutors, chasing a pack which is demoralising and disheartening. Thirdly, it is not unknown for homework, even coursework, to be done by or with the tutor and, even if this is not so, tutoring may often be done at the expense of homework. Shifting attention on to the slightly awkward topic of how privileged the kids must be, the Headmaster emphasises that he is keen to inculcate a sense of public service and duty into the children. Each week I like to take it in turns with the clergy at St Michaels, Chester Square, to hold assemblies which stress these values. One quick glance at the latest school newsletter shows a place teeming with life. A particularly amusing club involves kids wielding the gavel. As I leave this is perhaps reected in the fact I have to avoid being crowd-surfed by some little people in high-vis jackets. 79 Eccleston Square, SW1V 1PP, 020 7931 9469 (eatonsquareschool.com)

Words / Tom Hardman

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