Figure 1.--One of the unsung heros at many prep schools is the headmaster's wife. There is no job description for the job and the roles varies widely from school to school. At some schools the headmaster's wife has a formal role, even teaching classes at smaller school. At other schools it made more informal such as helping with the younger children, especially the new students or the children with the sniffles. At virtually all schools she is the center of social activities.. |
Even the most cursory visit at any English preparatory school, especially a boarding school, cannot fail to reveal the importance of the headmaster’s wife. One of the requirements for most board of directors for a headmaster is that he be married. In some cases the candidate’s wife can have a serious impact on both his selection and success. A devoted and discreet wife can make all the difference in a head’s eventual success. The actual role that the headmaster’s wife plays at a school is as varied as the number of schools. It depends on the personality and skills of the individual, the size and character of the school, the type of school, and a variety of other factors. The role is also changing. It once was usually the case that a headmaster had more academic credentials than his wife. This is much less the case today.
Even the most cursory visit at any English preparatory school, especially a boarding school, cannot fail to reveal the importance of the headmaster’s wife. One of the requirements for most board of directors for a headmaster is that he be married. In some cases the candidate’s wife can have a serious impact on both his selection and success. A devoted and discreet wife can make all the difference in a head’s eventual success.
The actual role that the headmaster’s wife plays at a school is as varied as the number of schools. It depends on the personality and skills of the individual, the size and character of the school, the type of school, and a variety of other factors. In a few schools the headmaster's wife may play only a small role such as arranging flowers, gardening, or holding formal teas. At most schools, however, the role of the headmaster’s wife is extensive and important, if not critical. A particularly important role as most schools is her role as an important source of information. In working with the children, the headmaster's wife acquires all matter of information. Many heads learn of problems and personal difficulties through their wives. At some schools children, staff, and spouses are willing to confide personal information to a sympathetic wife that they would not think of saying directly to the head.
There is no job description for the role, but in most schools it is significant and can have a very substantial impact on the tone and atmosphere of the school. In a few instances she may serve as almost a co-head. This is especially true at the smaller schools. The head’s wife generally assumes responsibility for the health of the children and the domestic affairs and the social life of the school, working very closely with matron. Often she focuses on the younger children while her husband devotes more time with the older children. Head master's wife commonly work closely with the matrons and often takes a special interest in the younger children who require a little tender loving cate. “As one headmaster described his wife, very understanding of “small peoples’ problems.” At Northaw the headmaster's wife regularly reads a bedtime story to the younger children. This is the case at a number of schools. One of the most high profile responsibilities frequently assumed by the head’s wife, at least as far as the children are concerned, is to operate the school tuck shop. Often she helps out with the children with sniffles.
The role of the head’s wife is especially important at the smaller schools and at boarding schools. A smaller school is less likely to be able to afford specialist staff and may call upon the head’s wife to serve a variety of roles from nurse or nutritionist to art or French teaching. A boarding school is likely to require the close involvement of the head’s wife.
Informal gatherings among the staff and spouses can play an important role in setting the tone of the school and building “team spirit.” More formal events involving parents and local dignitaries can play an important role in both recruitment and fund raising.
The role of the head master's wife is changing. It once was usually the case that a headmaster had more academic credentials than his wife. This is much less the case today.
