Robert Lobatto

Educator/Teacher

I am currently Head of King Alfred School (KAS) in North London, UK. Founded in 1898, KAS is a 4 to 18 progressive school that seeks to enable all pupils to thrive during their time at the school and beyond. It gives equal weight to academic achievement and personal development, and is characterised by informal relationships between students and teachers, minimal rules, and the absence of unnecessary pressures. I have been at KAS for coming up for three years. Prior to that I was the Executive Head of the Barnhill Education Partnership Trust which served a deprived multi-cultural part of West London near Heathrow airport. As Head of Barnhill Community High, the school won a number of prestigious academic and community awards, was in the 100 most improved schools in England 2009-2012, and was the most improved school in London (the most successful region in the UK) in 2009. Educated at Oxford University, I have worked in London schools for over 27 years. I am particularly interested in how we nurture a holistic people-centred approach to education that enables creativity to flourish and prepares young people well for the challenges of the 21st Century, in the current narrow data-driven accountability environment of the UK. I am married with two children, one who at university and one who is in his final years of school. I enjoy running and cycling, reading and film, and inspired by my daughter, have recently become a vegan.

I am passionate about my work as a Headteacher. Having been a teacher for 27 years and a Head for 11 years , I have a strong belief in the potential of all young people to flourish and thrive, if we can only give them the right start in life. I want my students to think outside the normal conventions and go on to make a positive difference in the world.

What is the purpose of education in the 21st century?

Education

I have been inspired and influenced by a number of TED talks, including: Steve Sinek: On how great leaders inspire action Dick Moore: Dancing or drowning in the rain? Susan Cain : The power of Introverts Ilona Boniwell : Educating for Happiness and Resilience