Suzie Longstaff, Principal of London Park Schools, says we must move beyond Victorian-era education to embrace 21st-century learning

For far too long, our education system has remained rooted in the ideals of the Victorian age – a time when schools were designed to churn out workers to feed the needs of the industrial revolution. It’s a model that prizes conformity, rote memorisation, and the rigid segregation of subjects into neat, individual boxes. But long gone are William Blake’s industrial ‘dark satanic mills’ and in their place are service companies where creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking are far more valuable than standardised skills.

Success is measured by how well students can recall information in a high-pressure exam setting, with little regard for creativity, collaboration, or emotional intelligence Fortunately, forward-thinking schools are already leading the way, showing us that change is not only possible but essential. One of the most innovative approaches we’re seeing is the rise of hybrid learning models. The pandemic accelerated the need for remote learning, but this shift highlighted the immense potential for hybrid education – a blend of in-person and online learning that harnesses flexibility and innovative models.

Encouraging students to think across subjects prepares them to tackle complex issues in their future careers”

Students learn at their own pace, access resources beyond the physical classroom and collaborate with peers without geographical restraints. Hybrid learning isn’t just a stop-gap measure but a powerful tool that can transform education by tailoring it to individual needs and promoting independence and self-discipline.

Another exciting development is the emergence of biophilic classrooms – learning environments designed to reconnect students with nature while they learn, not just in their breaks and outdoor activities. This is more than just an aesthetic trend, since biophilic design has been proven to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance creativity. In a world where students are increasingly facing mental health challenges, creating calming, nature-inspired spaces can support their wellbeing in profound ways. Schools are moving away from sterile classrooms to create spaces filled with natural light, plants, and outdoor-learning opportunities.

London Park Schools on changing times in education
LPS Mayfair students with Principal Suzie Longstaff

The integration of interdisciplinary learning is another step in the right direction. Traditional subject boundaries are breaking down, with schools recognising that real-world problems do not fit neatly into a single academic discipline. By encouraging students to think across subjects, blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), we foster innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach better reflects the interconnectedness of the modern world, preparing students to tackle complex issues in their future careers.

We must also acknowledge the urgent need to rethink assessment. The high-stakes, exam-centric system is under scrutiny, not least because it fails to capture the full range of a student’s abilities, while heaping more pressure onto an increasingly stressed generation. Continuous assessment, project-based learning, and portfolio reviews, allow students to demonstrate mastery in diverse and meaningful ways.

Education must continue to evolve. Schools need to be spaces of flexibility, creativity, and support – where students are nurtured as individuals. By embracing hybrid learning, biophilic environments, interdisciplinary curricula, and innovative assessments, we can create not only prepare students for exams but also equip them with the skills they will need to thrive in the world of tomorrow.

London Park Schools londonparkschools.com

Further reading: Kings InterHigh on immersive education