British media outlets reported this week that a Kent Grammar school has established an “unsafe space” in which to discuss matters that might be considered politically incorrect or are controversial. From Brexit, to the voting age and political correctness, nothing will be off the agenda for discussion in this place. One pupil reacted to the news saying that she felt this plan would legitimise extreme views. Such discussion is not new, after all Socrates was accused of corrupting the young of Athens with his unconventional and unsafe views.

This school will, I believe, develop the leaders of communities in the future. The experience of being in a school in which there are many views has, it would seem, distinct advantages. A quick look around the world today would suggest that discord occurs when insularity is dominant, when suspicion of other views trumps an understanding of another perspective. Do I believe that we all have to think the same way? Of course I don’t. Are we right to equip young people with the necessary skills to understand the world around them? Yes we are. But the School can only do so much, there is a responsibility among our pupils to ensure that they make the most of this remarkable opportunity to seek to appreciate the reasons behind the views that others espouse. When they succeed we may well find leaders that this world sorely needs.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster