Tom's Travels

Where in the World Is IBSC Executive Director Tom Batty?

Each year Tom travels the globe visiting IBSC member schools on nearly every continent. We learn so much from each other. Please see the list of locations Tom has visited so far this year and check back frequently for updates from our frequent flier.

Find past trips in the years listed in the left navigation.

Please contact us at IBSC@theibsc.org if you have a good idea for Tom's next trip. Thank you for championing boys' education!

July 2025 - June 2026

February 27, 2026

St. Paul’s School

London, United Kingdom

A rare sunny February morning by the Thames brought some 120 visitors to the 2026 IBSC United Kingdom-Europe Regional Conference on the southern bank of the Bend. Buoyed by the chatter of lively minds going about their school day, and inspired by excellent workshops targeting current need, delegates from Spain, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, the UAE, and the USA joined locals in the IBSC tradition of sharing evidence, practice, and contact details. Bookending the day superbly, Rory Stewart and Niobe Way, took us, respectively, from the impact of global swings and instantaneous communication on the lives of individuals, to the significance for the many of getting it right for each boy. It was a special day brought to being by the outstanding staff of St. Paul’s and the inspired leadership of High Master Sally-Anne Huang. Thank you, St. Paul’s.

February 19, 2026

St. John’s Educational Trust

Rolf Valley, Harare, Zimbabwe

An early morning zooming across continents and into the sun-drenched combined staff CPD for St. John’s College and Preparatory School. Warmth of welcome matched the outdoor glow and set mood for a rich discussion of boys’ development and education in these times. Interest in influencing at the level of each boy and consideration of the impact of whole school routines were to the fore, before the passing of time took those gathered to a well-earned barbeque. Caring dedicated culture established by Executive Headmaster Corrado Trinci and Head of Preparatory School Janine Harvey evident throughout. Excited to visit.

January 21 – 22, 2026

King's School

Auckland, New Zealand

Retracing 39-year-old footsteps to Zoom in across the Pacific and the tip of the stunning Coromandel Peninsula to join King’s School Headmaster Tony Sissons and King’s staff for a start of school year gathering. Lovely conversation led by Tony on boys’ education: what works best for boys, the importance of friendship, hearing and guiding their voice, and the fruits of IBSC’s recent project with Professor Andrew Martin of UNSW. I could only see Tony, but he assured me the staff were there and engaged. Fantastic school and inspired leadership. Lovely to feel Aotearoa in heart if not underfoot. Special place.

January 10 – 12, 2026

Bishops Diocesan College

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

At the invitation of Headmaster Tony Reeler, two days in the sunshine with the Bishops’ community beneath the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. Start of the year celebrations followed by a presentation of workshops exploring the premise of our craft, its manifestation in boys’ education and boys’ schools, and what we are learning about the healthy development of young men in these times. Warm welcome and open engaged conversation reflecting a school comfortable in its skin and doing good things. Added bonus of a guided tour of the campus with the wonderful history teacher/archivist, Paul Murray. Sometimes you just get lucky. Considered, inspired leadership and staff. Special time.

January 7, 2026

Watford Grammar School for Boys

Watford, United Kingdom

Privilege of addressing the prizegiving evening at WBGS and following outstanding speeches by Chairman of Governors Andrew Speirs and Headmaster Ian Cooksey, who, in keeping with the school motto, expounded the power for wisdom and advancement inherent in diversity, human endeavor, and optimism. Boys crossing the stage to further pursue their passions in preparation for picking up the baton and doing their bit. Great leadership and positive school community.

November 18 - 19, 2025

Presbyterian Day School

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

An engaging evening with the excellent PDS board followed by a day of discussion and considered Q&A with SLT members, a tour and conversations relating to exciting capital campaign plans, and an involved after school Q&A session with faculty. Inspiring leadership across the board, with Head of School Brad Sewel, Director of Research and Innovation Emily Lequerica, and a commitment to advancement from all, and for all, to the fore.

November 17, 2025

St. Dominic School

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Generously welcomed into home and school by St. Dominic School Dean Jefferson Brant and St. Agnes Academy - St. Dominic School President Tom Hood, a day that started in the best way with opportunity to address boys of St. Dominic on friendship, continued with a tour, conversations with faculty, and evening address to parents and community. Caring thoughtful, inspiring leadership and community working for the best for those in their care.

September 29 – October 1, 2025

Viaró Global School

Barcelona, Spain

Amidst the stunning setting of this wonderful city, warmed by Catalonian sunshine, a busy time at the direction of Director of International Relations and Head of Secondary School Miguel Dionis Raurell, a former IBSC trustee. A morning presentation to invited school and university representatives and journalists, followed by a tour of the beautiful Viaró grounds and time chatting with Headmaster Josep Narbón, before leading an end of school day staff workshop and an evening presentation to parents. Media interviews and submissions the following morning ahead of the flight home. Will return.

September 3, 2025

Dr. Challoner’s Grammar School

Amersham, United Kingdom

Early morning drive through the glorious Chiltern foothills of South Buckinghamshire to take up the invitation of Headteacher David Atkinson to present to staff as part of the start of school year preparations. Great conversations on belonging and care with a dedicated inspiring staff purposefully led by head and senior leadership team

August 6, 2025

Toowoomba Grammar School

Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

At the kind invitation of Headmaster John Kinniburgh and Head of Teacher Development Luke Rawle (our insightful IBSC action research stalwart), opportunity to beam across the oceans, over the Darling Downs and into the beautiful setting of TGS to join staff in discussion of boys’ education in these times. The desire to reflect, share ideas, and advance practice that underpins our profession was palpable across the airwaves, as was building Ashes excitement. A lovely way to spend the early morning—and friendlier than that awaiting Day 1 at the Gabba.