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.

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 2024 - June 2025

April 16, 2025

Presbyterian Day School

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Courtesy of the inspired purposeful leadership of Director of Research and Innovation Emily Lequerica and Head of School Brad Sewell, opportunity to address parent community and then faculty on the strengths of boys’ education and boys’ schools in these times, while celebrating the launch of their Center for Educational Growth. Wonderful school environment the product of care, thoughtful leadership, and a dedicated faculty committed to the boys and professional learning.

April 14 – 15, 2025

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Dallas, Texas, United States

Gathered with a group of school leaders in the beautiful grounds of St. Mark’s. Inspiring conversations skillfully compared with deft touch by IBSC Board Chair and Headmaster David Dini included the insight of Rob Kaplan and wisdom of Ross Perot Jr. Great to witness the repairs and developments to the site following the 2019 tornado that wreaked such damage. Strong community built on shared values and considered leadership.

March 26 – 27, 2025

St. Bede’s College

Christchurch, New Zealand

Evening privilege to beam across the beautiful Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch to join an early morning professional development session with the insightful staff of St. Bede’s. Buoyed and inspired by Marist tradition, and directed by Deputy Rector James Burnside, the place of care, reflection, and purpose was palpable across the airwaves. A real treat.

March 19, 2025

Thomas’s Clapham

London, United Kingdom

Privilege of being part of a panel for a Wellbeing Symposium organised by Thomas’s Clapham and SchoolTV for local parents and educators. Successful evening addressing important, current themes, brilliantly run by SchoolTV and Thomas’s Clapham Head Nathan Boller and the team.

March 6, 2025

St. David’s Marist Inanda, Alexandra Campus

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Every time I come to South Africa, I learn more about education and the best of our condition. My time at St. David’s was no exception. After a brief tour of the main campus, I set off with Executive Headmaster Mike Thiel from the high-rise buildings of the financial district of Sandton for the township of Alexandra. Building on the good work of scholarships and outreach, Mike envisaged and delivered a St. David’s campus for Alexendra and, in so doing, brought Catholic education back to the township. Led by Alexendra Headmaster Lewis Manthata, it is a remarkable achievement, and one which sets challenge for all. I left with warm glow and deep respect for Mike and all who backed him, for Lewis, and for all staff, boys, and members of the Alex community.

March 5 – 7, 2025

St. Alban’s College

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

A favorite of IBSC gatherings, with special educators, brought me and 225 delegates—including representatives from India, the United Arab Emirates, and Zimbabwe—to lovely Pretoria and the beautiful campus and inspiring staff of St. Alban’s College. Primed and set underway by outstanding Headmaster Shane Kidwell and guided with care and wit by Deputy Head Pastoral Kevin Leathem and Senior Deputy Head Krinesan Moodley, the largest-ever regional IBSC gathering was soon raising the high bar set by previous conferences. All events were top drawer, addressing the currency of boys’ schools to serve boys best in these changing times. The busy, excited chatter of ideas around the scheduled presentations, evidence of all learnt in plenaries and workshops being distilled and developed for classroom deployment. None will forget the singing of the St. Alban’s boys nor Gcina Mhlophe’s deep wisdom. I had the privilege of being part of the welcome and presenting a workshop. I learnt much from the experience. Sincere thanks to Shane, Krinesan, Kevin, and the inspiring staff of St. Alban’s for a memorable conference.

March 4, 2025

St. John’s College

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

An early morning drive from Pretoria with IBSC Director of Membership Engagement Bruce Collins brought me to the stunning campus of St. John’s just in the nick of time for my 7:30 AM presentation to senior school staff. Fueled by breakfast in the lovely school café and inspired by a tour of the grounds, I was set to address and engage with St. John’s preparatory staff. I continue to be in awe of the quality and dedication of teachers in South Africa and my two engagements at St. John’s only furthered my admiration. Great people doing great things guided by the wonderful, considered, purposeful leadership of Executive Headmaster Stuart West and Prep Headmaster Lester Lalla.

March 3, 2025

St. Stithians Boys’ College

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Having swapped football clubs with my taxi driver to become a loyal Kaizer Chief’s fan while sharing the gift of Brentford FC, I arrived at our hosts for the 2026 IBSC Annual Conference for planning discussions and a tour before, and under the inspiring leadership of Deputy Head Sandile Khuluse, addressing a group comprising heads of department and house and grade directors. Something special about being amidst educators of the quality of Sandile and Head David du Toit, and, indeed, all teachers at this remarkable school. Positive, dedicated, and with infectious energy, building something better locally and beyond. Roll on July 2026!

January 24, 2025

Mount Carmel High School

Chicago, Illinois, United States

On a cold but very bright Chicago morning, the real treat of time amidst the deep rhythms of the best of boys’ schools, guided and inspired by President Brendan Conroy and Principal Scott Tabernacki. Conversation with Brendan following considered pathways to ensure manifestation of such tenets in current times. Scott’s incubator class set the standard for classes of the type with monetization live at every step in each product’s development. Yes, a real treat. Grateful to Brendan for making it possible.

January 20 – 22, 2025

St. Christopher’s School

Richmond, Virginia, United States

A busy, inspiring two days celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Center for the Study of Boys, encompassing panel discussions (fellow panelists David Bell, medical director, Young Men’s Clinic, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Janet Lien, assistant head of school, The Browning School (United States); Joseph Nelson, associate professor, educational studies, and chair of the Black Studies Program, Swarthmore College; and Niobe Way, professor of developmental psychology, New York University, and author of Rebels with a Cause) with St. Christopher’s faculty and broader community, breakout sessions with faculty, interviews and receptions and the treats of speaking to the upper school boys in chapel and engaging ninth and 10th graders in some spirited reflection on our condition. A wonderful occasion with the high bar throughout reflecting the considered leadership of Headmaster Mason Lecky and center director Kim Hudson, and the enthusiasm and dedication of the center team of Laura Sabo, David Shin, Jen O’Ferrall, and Casey Torrence. Thanks to all.

January 19 – 20, 2025

Woodberry Forest School

Woodberry Forest, Virginia, United States

Late arrival meant cold, frosty morning and wintry sunshine revealed full splendor of the stunning campus of Woodberry Forest School (United States) on walking to communal boy/faculty breakfast in thoughtful, personable company of Headmaster Byron Hulsey. A busy engaging morning addressing faculty, taking a boy-led tour, giving a podcast interview, having discussions with various members of faculty, and attending a truly outstanding class (Paul Erb honors English). High bars set with deep care and purposeful leadership throughout. Thanks, Woodberry.

November 21 – 22, 2024

St. Margaret’s College, Otago University

Dunedin, New Zealand

Presentation on leadership in boys’ schools at the Association of Boys’ Schools of New Zealand Deputy and Assistant Principals’ Conference followed by dinner conversations and an inspiring address by NZ Olympian and America’s Cup athlete Hamish Bond. Great occasion amidst the lively minds and energy of the next generation of leaders of NZ boys’ schools. Tours with heads of impressive local boys’ schools: John McGlashen College, Otago Boys’ High School, and King’s High School. All in all, a wonderful event. Thanks and congratulations to ABSNZ.

November 21, 2024

King’s High School

Dunedin, New Zealand

Informal address and discussion with staff at the end of the school day. Caring, thoughtful, and interested staff superbly led by impressive, reflective rector Nick McIvor. Lovely culture and mood. Fitting way to bring addresses and staff engagements of trip to a close.

November 20, 2024

Rongotai College

Wellington, New Zealand

Back in the familiar stomping ground of Evans Bay at the kind invitation of personable and insightful Principal Kevin Carter for lunch and a discussion on educational trends and boys’ education with local heads of boys’ schools. Magnificent lunch prepared by hospitality teacher Gabe Chambers. School looked a million dollars. Kevin rightly very proud.

November 20, 2024

Wellington College

Wellington, New Zealand

Morning coffee and in-depth chat about boys’ education and the many exciting initiatives at Wellington College with Deputy Principal Aaron Columbus and old friend and former rector of St. Patrick’s Colleges Town and Silverstream Gerard Tully. Great discussion in inspiring environment last visited in 1990 to lose a soccer final.

November 18, 2024

Auckland Grammar School

Auckland, New Zealand

Following a meeting with heads of local boys’ schools, a presentation to some 80 educators from Auckland boys’ schools in the impressive new library adjacent to the commanding Hall. Great conversation with committed boys’ educators. Attendees included daughter of long-time fellow Brentford FC sufferer, so probably the largest ever collection of Bees fans in one spot in Auckland. Thanks go to outstanding Headmaster Tim O’Connor and the exemplary staff of AGS for making it possible.

November 18, 2024

St. Peter’s College

Auckland, New Zealand

In the company of accomplished, energetic, and generous Headmaster James Bently, a tour of school, sensing its warm open culture, and time with his impressive senior leadership team. Lovely new chapel at the center of movement and reflection amidst busyness of various sporting codes of lunchtime play.

November 14, 2024

The Scots College

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Battling the early traffic to cross the Harbour to the stunning campus of The Scots College for a morning meeting with transformational Principal Ian Lambert, his planning team, and IBSC COO Amy Ahart Zooming in online to discuss progress toward their hosting of the 2027 IBSC Annual Conference. Discussion and tour of grounds and facilities affirm we are in good hands! Save the date recommended.

November 12 – 13, 2024

Trinity Grammar School

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Courtesy of trustee and inspiring Trinity Grammar Headmaster Tim Bowden and in company with former IBSC Board Chair David Ferguson, a busy two-day program taking in a lunchtime presentation to heads of local boys’ state schools, dinner with heads of local boys’ independent schools, a presentation and dinner with members of the TGS School Council, a presentation to TGS staff, meetings with various TGS staff groups, and an interview with a journalist from The Sydney Morning Herald. Much done and much achieved thanks to Tim Bowden’s foresight and the support of the wonderful TGS staff.

November 12, 2024

Ashfield Boys High School

Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia

Welcomed with former IBSC Chair David Ferguson to Ashfield Boys’ High by dynamic Head Dwayne Hopwood for lunch and a presentation to heads of local government boys’ high schools. Rich conversation on the local educational landscape, boys’ education, and the IBSC mission. Sincere thanks to all involved.

November 11, 2024

Brisbane Grammar School

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

A busy day at an inspiring school courtesy of its outstanding head Anthony Micaleff and wonderful staff, taking in meetings with the senior leadership and well-being teams and teaching staff, a poignant Remembrance Day ceremony, tour of the magnificent STEAM precinct (a must for all considering master planning), and a communications interview with Anthony Conversation with IBSC. It needed a special day to keep me afloat on day one off the plane and that’s what I got!

October 23, 2024

St. Andrew's College

Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Skillful alignment and fine-tuning of Associate Director of Upper School, Student Affairs David Stewart, assisting the virtual leap west across the pond to speak to the staff of St. Andrew’s College (Canada) amidst early morning autumn sunshine. Rich conversation around issues prevalent in boys’ schools and boys’ good fit for the opportunities of these times.

August 12, 2024

St. Augustine’s College

Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Crossing continents and time zones to beam into the Sunshine State and speak to assembled staff and leadership team of St. Augustine’s, courtesy of kind invitation from Principal Glen Seivers. Thoughtful questions reflecting common themes across regions and schools, spiced with the laconic humor of FNQ. Great clarity and speed of connection—in 1985 it took me a 35-hour flight and a two-day drive.

July 3, 2024

Arnold House Prep School

London, United Kingdom

A real treat to take a couple of hours out of the 2024 IBSC Annual Conference to speak to boys, parents, and teachers at the Arnold House Senior Prizegiving. Lovely atmosphere of care and confidence for the departing boys of Year 8 reflecting the inspired leadership of Headmaster Giles Tollit.

July 1 – 4, 2024

IBSC Annual Conference

Harrow School

Harrow on the Hill, London, United Kingdom

Amidst glorious, elevated setting, and inspired by diversity of culture and school system, like and unlike minds of 600+ delegates explored, shared, and advanced the practices that work best for boys, buoyed by collegiality, laughter, and the odd late goal. Sincere thanks to Alastair Land, Charles Bailey, and the wonderful Harrow team.