Jane Lunnon, head of Alleyn's School, on AI, the independent sector and how our children are too polarised
Few heads in the UK education sector have combined intellect, charm and imagination quite like Jane Lunnon, head at Alleyn's School in South London. The first woman to lead the school in its 400-year history, Jane brings a distinctive blend of personality and innovation to one of the UK’s leading independent schools. Having previously led Wimbledon High and served as Deputy Head at Wellington College, she now oversees the expansion of Alleyn’s – with new schools in Regent’s Park and Hampstead – whilst continuing to strengthen the values and essence that underpin its success.
In a brilliant and energetic episode, Jane reflects on the evolving role of independent schools and the responsibility of leadership in turbulent times. She speaks about maintaining academic ambition while fostering empathy, about why innovation matters most when it serves community and about the programmes shaping Alleyn’s next chapter: from AIQ, an initiative to build ethical awareness around AI, to AEQ, a new approach to emotional literacy and wellbeing.
🎙️ Episode highlights
Jane reflects on the phrase that has guided decision-making throughout her career: "wouldn't it be fun if..."
She shares the story from her early days at Wellington where she staged a massive production at the Royal Albert Hall.
She discusses the expansion of the Alleyn's School Group and the importance of growing without compromising authenticity.
Jane lays out the pressures facing the independent sector today and why it must collaborate with state institutions.
She dives into Alleyn's AIQ programme, created in partnership with MIT, as well as the AEQ initiative around student wellbeing.
She discusses the polarisation of our society and why we must hold the middle ground in our political discourse.