Authentic leadership and shaping school culture with Charles Bailey, Headmaster, Worksop College and Ranby House (Ep. 179)

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Charles Bailey, Headmaster of Worksop College and Ranby House, a thriving independent day and boarding school in Nottinghamshire.

Charles joined the school in April 2025 after a decade at Harrow School, where he held senior leadership roles including Director of Studies and Head of Learning Skills. He brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to headship, grounded in authenticity, clarity and a deep belief in the power of community.

Together they explore:

• What authentic leadership looks like in practice in a busy 3–18 school

• How vulnerability helps leaders build trust, belonging and psychological safety

• The realities of navigating complexity in a Head’s first year

• How to balance long-term strategy with the day-to-day demands of school life

• Why clarity, simplicity and shared language matter so much for school culture

You’ll hear honest reflections from Charles’s first year of headship, including the lessons he’s drawing from Worksop’s heritage, community and ethos.

This episode offers a grounded, energising look at leadership, culture and the courage it takes to be real in today’s complex school environment.

Explore all previous episodes of The Independent School Podcast: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/podcast

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