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

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.