We were delighted to catch up with Sally-Anne Huang, high master at St Paul’s School, who reflected on the last academic year, her role as chair of HMC, and how schools can foster an environment for good mental health. 

Huang, new to her role at St Paul’s this September, said it had been a good time to move schools, as crisis management meant she had been able to get to know the team very well right off the bat.

She highlighted how headteachers urgently needed consultation with the Government on what is going to happen with 2021 exams, and said this lack of discussion with those at the chalkface had led to a loss of faith. “I do wish there was more consultation. We as headteachers often hear things from journalists before official announcements from the Government. Faith that things will be consistent, I think that’s gone, but in some ways it’s made us more resilient.” Huang added about the independent schools sector: “I do think that we’ll come out of this stronger.”