What is a Good Education? By Catherine Openshaw

At The Mead School’s recent Prizegiving, Headmistress Catherine Openshaw spoke passionately about the deceptively simple question: “What is a good education?” Her speech explored seven key themes at the forefront of a Mead education, one that takes a holistic approach in nurturing every child.

1.) A Good Education Goes Beyond Academic Results While academic success is celebrated, Mrs. Openshaw emphasised that “education is about far more than numbers and test results—that is not to say those things don’t matter; they absolutely do.” The Mead does not measure achievement solely through grades, yet the children excel once again, gaining places at highly selective grammar schools and leading independent schools, many with scholarships.

2.) A Good Education Nurtures the Whole Child A Mead education looks beyond the classroom to develop every aspect of a child’s character, “their mind, their heart, their values, and sense of self and purpose in the world.”

3.) A Good Education Provides Challenge for All Whether a child shines in creative writing, science, or on the sports field, each is stretched and supported through a personalised, individual approach. Every pupil is encouraged to do their best.

4.) A Good Education is Broad and Varied Time is given to sports, the arts, science, and much more. By experiencing a wide curriculum, children discover hidden talents, unlock potential and gain the independence and skills they need to succeed. They teach “discipline, leadership, resilience, and teamwork and shape young people that are not afraid to be seen and heard.”

5.) A Good Education Teaches Good Character and Values “We believe in building character not as a supplement to academic life, but as its foundation. To be kind, to be honest, to notice others, to be brave in times of difficulty, and gracious in the face of success.” A good education, Mrs. Openshaw stressed, must also teach children to be kind, thoughtful, and grounded—preparing them to be good people as well as successful ones. “Here at The Mead, we model this in all we do, and it builds a fundamental part of the ethos of the school.”

6.) A Good Education Teaches Confidence “This is a gift we strive to give every child here.” Through carefully tailored programmes, every child is seen, supported, and encouraged. This fosters authentic confidence—not bravado, but the quiet assurance that comes from being valued and nurtured.

7.) A Good Education is a Holistic Education Bringing all of these elements together, The Mead provides a truly holistic education—one that develops children academically, socially, morally, and culturally. It is this balance that allows them to flourish and face the future with confidence.

Click the link to read more about Catherine Openshaw’s philosophy on a good education.