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According to Repton School’s head Mark Semmence, educational institutions need to prioritise reputation and innovation to thrive in the education space. Last year, he shared insights into how schools can build eminence in an article entitled “Innovation in Action — Building a Global Reputation.”  

The executive search and advisory company Wild Search published this article in a research paper, A Culture Of Innovation: British Schools Overseas. 

Building a Global Reputation in the Education Space 

In his article, Semmence explains that schools can build a global reputation by ensuring coherence. Aligning a school’s values, visions, and academic programmes can create a connected educational experience. A well-rounded education is the key to success, and the staff’s responsibility is to deliver cohesive outcomes and attitudes.  

Semmence goes on to explain that coherence enhances the quality of education and builds trust and credibility among pupils, parents, and the wider community. This means that the focus should be not only on imparting knowledge but also on fostering human values and skills.  

When a school consistently delivers on its ethos and maintains high standards across all areas, it can establish itself globally as a reliable, reputable institution. Semmence emphasises that schools can accomplish the necessary coherence for developing a global reputation by:  

• Recruiting academic staff with aligned values. 
• Nurturing human values. 
• Cultivating staff skills. 
• Upholding academic aims. 
• Pursuing roundedness. 

How Repton School Is Broadening Its Global Reputation 

Two ways that Repton is broadening its global reputation include: 

1. Expanding its international Family of Schools. 

2. Embracing technology innovations to adapt to the changing education space. 

1. Expanding Repton’s International Family of Schools

As part of The Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO), Repton School embraces British education’s best practices while incorporating innovative teaching methods and approaches. 

In 2007, Repton became the first British school to establish itself in the UAE, paving the way for other UK schools to follow. Since then, Repton has expanded its Family of Schools nationally and internationally. In doing so, Repton has developed a network committed to a strong emphasis on global reputation, education, and innovation. 

Repton now has an international presence across three continents, with four schools in the UK and seven in the Middle East, China, and Europe. 

Repton’s most recent school acquisition is Vinehall School, a prep school in East Sussex near Battle. Vinehall joined the Repton Family of Schools in 2022. The School is approximately 200 miles away from Repton, which is in Derbyshire, near Burton Upon Trent. 

The acquisition aimed to increase the number of pupils at Repton while expanding the School’s vision beyond a geographical location to shape an “attitudinal mindprint.” 

Semmence says that Vinehall focuses on academic excellence, values, skills, and the rounded growth of pupils. Such an approach aligns with Repton’s vision and upholds the belief that coherence extends beyond location. 

Other Repton Schools in the UK include Repton Prep and St Wystan’s. Meanwhile, Repton Schools globally include: 

• Repton School Dubai. 
• Repton Al Barsha. 
• Repton Abu Dhabi, Rose Campus and Fry Campus. 
• Repton Malaysia. 
• Repton Xiamen. 
• Repton Cairo. 

Through regular interaction and collaborative initiatives, the Repton Family of Schools enriches the educational experience for pupils. This interconnectedness promotes cultural understanding, global citizenship, and the development of crucial skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world. 

2. Embracing Technology Innovations to Adapt to the Changing Education Space

Additionally, Semmence highlights the importance of embracing innovation to adapt to the changing educational landscape. Digital tools and systems can be especially useful when creating educational resources on an international scale. 

Schools can position themselves for the future and offer a dynamic education by staying up to date with the latest technology and learning developments. For example, Repton School uses technology to promote innovation in teaching and learning.  

Through its combination of project-based learning, extracurricular activities, and dedicated innovation programmes, Repton instils a deep appreciation for creativity and originality in its pupils.  

By maintaining a coherent approach, Repton ensures its pupils are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges and positively impact society.  

Offering Remote Learning Opportunities With Global Access 

As part of its commitment to expanding educational opportunities globally, Repton offers Repton Latin Online. This pioneering programme allows pupils to learn Latin remotely. 

This original approach to language education enables pupils from the international Repton Family of Schools to access the benefits of learning Latin, regardless of their geographical location. 

Repton Latin Online provides a comprehensive curriculum covering Rome’s language and culture. The School engages pupils interactively through online classes, ensuring that Latin remains an accessible and engaging subject. This way, Repton fosters pupils’ love for languages while deepening their understanding of classical civilisation. 

According to Semmence, Repton’s Old Priory was a centre for Latin learning around 1,000 years ago. Today, technology and innovation enable the School to revisit the language and bring it back to its historical origins. 

Led by teachers with over 20 years of teaching experience in Latin and Ancient Greek, the online programme has gained popularity among pupils in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 

Semmence envisages that a larger international audience will develop and access the talent of Repton teachers beyond Repton Latin Online. The vision is for pupils from the Repton Family of Schools to learn Mandarin from Xiamen, Arabic from Dubai, or even aspects of “a geography course on deserts out of Abu Dhabi.” 

Semmence also highlights the potential of having religions taught by staff based in different faith centres globally. 

About Repton School 

Repton School embraces globalisation, expands educational opportunities, and maintains a well-balanced climate of trust to promote pupil success on academic, creative, sporting, and personal levels. 

With a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1557, Repton continues to consistently provide a nurturing environment that encourages pupils to unlock their full potential. The School has also successfully established a global reputation in the field of education. 

Located in the village of Repton in Derbyshire, Repton School is a co-educational secondary school for day pupils and boarders aged 13 to 18. The School offers a safe and welcoming space for pupils to learn and grow. 

At Repton, trust is at the heart of its ethos and values. A strong bond between pupils, teachers, and the wider community creates a supportive and cultivating environment. 

The School’s emphasis on building trust is reflected in its small class sizes, allowing personalised learning and meaningful relationships between pupils and teachers. This fosters collaboration, open communication, and a sense of belonging. 

There is also a commitment from staff to helping pupils discover their strengths and interests beyond the classroom. Whether performing onstage, excelling in sports, or expressing themselves creatively through music, Reptonians find a healthy balance in all aspects of School life.