Barnaby Lenon was educated at a Direct Grant school and Oxford University, taught at Eton, Sherborne School, Holland Park comprehensive and Highgate School, and was head of Trinity School Croydon and Harrow School. He has been a governor of many schools, state and independent, and is chairman of governors of a free school, the London Academy of Excellence. He is on the boards of Ofqual, the New Schools Network, the Yellow Submarine charity for young people with learning disabilities, and chairs the Independent Schools Council.
Barnaby Lenon, a former schoolmaster and headmaster who is chair of the Independent Schools Council, takes an in-depth look at the elements that make up a successful school. He examines leading and latest research on school leadership and management; looks at how teachers, pupils, parents and governors can achieve results; and puts the spotlight on subjects, exam systems and social mobility. For his research, he visited a number of schools that are achieving outstanding results: John Perryn Primary School, Acton; Tollgate Primary School, Newham; King Solomon Academy, Marylebone; Burlington Danes Academy, Hammersmith; West London Free School, Hammersmith; Michaela Community School, Wembley; St Mary Magdalene Academy, Islington; Dixons Kings Academy, Bradford; Tauheedul Boys' School, Blackburn; London Academy of Excellence, Newham; and Brighton College. His analysis of their innovations and achievements provides an insight into some of England's most successful schools.