James Priory, Headmaster at Tonbridge School, on transformative mentorship and why joy is essential in teaching
This podcast episode is sponsored by Tonbridge School as part of a paid promotion. As with every episode of Heads & Tales, the content remains editorially independent.
In the latest episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber sits down with James Priory, Headmaster of Tonbridge School, for an in-depth conversation about the school and his career.
James brings a remarkable story to independent education - from his beginnings as an assisted place beneficiary at King Edward's Birmingham to becoming the first internally appointed headmaster at Portsmouth Grammar School in almost 200 years, before taking the helm at Tonbridge in August 2018.
With a first-class English degree from Lincoln College, Oxford, James has built his career on academic excellence and genuine passion for young people. Beyond his headship, he chairs the governing body education committee of Marsh Academy, serves as a governor at multiple schools, and sits on HMC's education committee. His love for choral music, theatre, and performance runs deep - both personally and in his approach to education.
The power of a good mentor
The conversation opens with James reflecting on the transformative power of mentorship throughout his career. He speaks particularly fondly of Tim Hands, former headmaster of Winchester College, who appointed him as head of English at Portsmouth Grammar School back in 2000. "There was something infectious about Tim in terms of his humour," James recalls, "but what I learned from him was not just good humor, but also a real dedication to the lives of children and young people."
James's insights into mentorship extend beyond his own experience. He discusses how his understanding of being mentored has shaped his approach to developing others, both colleagues and students. Interestingly, he's become more open to facilitating external mentoring relationships for his team, recognising that he can't always provide the specific expertise or time that individuals need to flourish in their roles.
The house system at Tonbridge School provides a natural framework for peer mentoring among students - something James is particularly passionate about. He sees the vertical relationships between older and younger pupils as crucial in developing mentoring skills that students can carry forward into their adult lives.
A hilarious moment from his time at school
One of the most engaging parts of the conversation comes when James shares a great anecdote from his school days. During a production of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the cast failed to learn their lines adequately. Their English teacher, Giles Evans, stood up to berate them for their poor preparation - only to fall flat on his face immediately afterwards!
"There was this moment of shock and horror," James remembers. "But I think what happened in that moment when he fell was actually him making his point more powerfully than he did in the berating, because we suddenly saw that actually he really cared."
This moment of unexpected humility became more powerful than any lecture, teaching James about the importance of genuine care and commitment in education.
A moving encounter with an old pupil
James doesn't shy away from discussing the more difficult aspects of leadership. He reflects on the profound challenge of losing community members and the particular difficulty of managing such situations while maintaining the objectivity needed for effective leadership. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented test, forcing him to make decisions reminiscent of wartime headmasters. Yet from this challenge came innovation and learning about maintaining high-quality education in extraordinary circumstances.
The conversation takes a more uplifting turn when James shares a career highlight - receiving a call from John Hollingworth, a former student from his early teaching days at Bradford Grammar School. John had invited James to watch him perform as Anthony in Anthony and Cleopatra at the Globe Theatre. This was the same play James had taught him as a young teacher, relying heavily on his own A-level notes. Seeing his former student excel in this role represented the full circle of educational impact that makes teaching so rewarding.
The secret to really good teaching
Perhaps the most powerful message James shares in the episode is about finding joy in education. His advice to those in the sector is beautifully simple: "Enjoy it and be seen to enjoy it."
James argues that if teachers aren't finding genuine pleasure in their work, their students won't either. This doesn't mean maintaining a permanent smile but rather finding authentic engagement with the subject matter and the process of learning.
James is particularly passionate about the autonomy that education provides to create enriching experiences around areas of personal interest and passion. "We're very lucky as educators," he notes, "particularly in the independent sector, that we have the autonomy to really create opportunities, pursue experiences and devise approaches that really can enrich and excite us."
James’ unpopular opinion – and why it really matters
When asked for an unpopular opinion, James doesn't hesitate to defend the value of chapel in school life. While acknowledging that this might not be the most popular element for teenage boys, he believes strongly in the cultural, spiritual, and community benefits it provides. The rhythm of coming together, particularly for boarding students returning on Sunday evenings, creates important moments of reflection and unity. This is a key part of life at Tonbridge.
What next for Tonbridge?
As Tonbridge navigates the challenging landscape facing independent education, James remains focused on what truly matters. The school's informal motto "only connect" - borrowed from E.M. Forster - reflects their commitment to helping students connect both with ideas and with people. Tonbridge are developing creative aspects of the student experience, particularly around storytelling and communication skills, preparing young men to be confident contributors to society.
James' approach to leadership and education is refreshingly authentic. His emphasis on joy, genuine care, and the power of human connection offers valuable insights for educators at all levels. In an era where education faces numerous challenges, his message is both timely and timeless: great education happens when passionate people find genuine joy in nurturing the next generation.
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About Tonbridge School
Tonbridge School is a prestigious independent day and boarding school for boys aged 13-18, located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Founded in 1553, the school combines academic excellence with a rich co-curricular programme, preparing students for university and beyond. With a strong house system and emphasis on developing well-rounded young men, Tonbridge maintains its reputation as one of the leading boys' schools in the country.