And so, Labour has now been in power for several months after 14 years of a blue landscape.
The red rising is rippling across the UK and creeping into every pore of society.
Education stands braced for what lies ahead. What with 11 Secretaries of State in the past 14 years, the foundations are anything but solid (and we thought Roman Abramovich was a tough taskmaster at Chelsea with the revolving door of managers).
It’s quite remarkable that even with all of this, independent education in the UK remains the gold standard across the world. Watch this space though; the Gulf States are planning their contribution to worldwide education for the next 100 years and taking the best elements from across the globe. Here in the UK, we will need to continue to innovate and require support, not spite, from our political classes.
But let’s time travel back to 594 BCE, to a bustling Athens on the edge of chaos and meet Solon, one of the seven greatest sages of Ancient Greece. Picture a city-state where the wealthy lived lavishly and the poor, well, lived in misery. The laws of the infamous leader, Draco prevailed, with capital punishment doled out for everything from murder to petty theft. The few lived well; the many lived short lives of deprivation and worse.
So back to Solon, our protagonist; a poet, a noble, and a man with a flair for fairness. Think of him as the ultimate ancient Greek problem solver; called upon to inject sense into a very precarious situation. How much for that, in 2024?
Solon was acutely aware of the seductive nature of power. Unlike the power-hungry tyrants before and after him, Solon chose to rule for one year – yes, just one. This wasn’t due to a lack of ambition, but a profound understanding that real leadership isn’t about hanging on to power for dear life. Modern leaders take note; knowing when to step aside and let fresh ideas flourish is often the hallmark of great leadership (I still have many fresh ideas, before you ask!).
Solon had a skill for pragmatic idealism. He famously said, “I gave the people the best laws they would receive.” This was humble and practical. He knew perfection was out of reach, but significant improvement was well within grasp. Today’s leaders could learn from this too; progress is often about taking manageable steps rather than attempting one monumental leap.
Solon addressed one of the era’s gravest injustices: debt slavery. He abolished it, cancelling all debt and preventing the impoverished from being sold into slavery. What a star. This was an early and bold move towards social equality. In modern institutions, fostering inclusivity and supporting those who need it most isn’t just a noble idea, it’s practical wisdom. It’s about creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, not just the privileged few. Amen to that.
Leadership invariably involves making unpopular decisions. Solon remarked, “Everyone hates me: I have succeeded!”
It’s a first-class acknowledgment that significant change often comes with a fair share of detractors. So, when the critics start chirping, remember, there’s a good chance you’re probably on the right track. Modern leaders must embrace this reality, for criticism often signals that necessary, meaningful change is underway. But woe betide those who plough on regardless, without listening and considering contrary views.
Solon’s reforms lay the bedrock for democracy as we know it. That’s a legacy worth pondering. Today’s leaders should think beyond the immediate and consider policies that will benefit future generations. If only those in power would settle differences for a long-term view which all (reasonable) sides can sign up to. In education, this means preparing students not only for their first jobs, but for a lifetime of learning and societal engagement. Long-term vision is essential for creating systems that endure. We are many moons away from this presently.
So, what’s the takeaway from our good friend Solon?
Balance power wisely, embrace pragmatic idealism, promote social equality, welcome feedback, aim for lasting positive impact and practice self-awareness. If a poet and nobleman from ancient Athens could figure this out, surely we can too? After all, the wisdom of the ages is there to guide us one practical step at a time, something we are trying so hard to instill at LWC in our wonderful and ceiling-free pupils. And let’s face it, a little ancient wisdom could go a long way in today’s world…
Yours,
Adam