The Making of Us

What makes a good education?

‘A crucial book of the moment: the best-informed education insider laying out how schools should work’ David Bodanis

In a brilliant blend of memoir and manifesto, renowned educator Clarissa Farr tells stories from the frontlines of schools to offer vital lessons for the way we teach.

What are the challenges facing students and schools today? How do we encourage girls to become tomorrow’s leaders? What must change for students of all backgrounds to find ambition and succeed?

A handbook, a memoir, an urgent message for our time. If we care about the future of our schools and young people, here are the changes we must make.

‘Part memoir, part love letter to the mad, wonderful world of schools and school leadership, Farr brings to life her own experiences and interweaves them with wider reflections upon education in the UK today… She does not pull any punches … A warm and witty book’
Times Educational Supplement

‘Elegantly written … It is about the importance of good teachers and the influence a school community can have on the lives of children’
Sunday Times

‘Wise, courageous and compassionate’
Sir Anthony Seldon

‘An urgent call to improve the way we help young women prepare for this complex world written by someone with oodles of experience and a load of passion for good education’
George Osborne

Reviews

‘In 2017, after more than 10 years at St Paul’s Farr decided to leave. This elegantly written book shares the wisdom she deployed there and the lessons she learnt’ Sunday Times

‘[Farr] has certainly shown her talent here as the teller of a good story … part memoir, part love letter to the mad, wonderful world of schools and school leadership, Farr brings to life her own experiences and interweaves them with wider reflections upon education in the UK today… a warm and witty book.’ Times Educational Supplement

‘An urgent call to improve the way we help young women prepare for this complex world written by someone with oodles of experience and a load of passion for good education’ George Osborne

‘This is a crucial book of the moment: the best informed education insider laying out how schools should work. Farr’s writing is graceful and considered: she's honest about the highs and lows of her own career, as well as unspoken topics such as dealing with over-protective parents. An insightful, useful book: excellent for parents and teaching professionals alike.’ David Bodanis, bestselling author of E=mc2

‘Clarissa Farr was the doyen of headmistresses in the early 21st century. Wise, courageous, and compassionate, a true leader from a world where many heads struggle to lead’ Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice Chancellor, University of Buckingham

'In this topical and moving book Clarissa Farr bridges the gap between a traditional education and the 21st century internet revolution. With an astounding lightness of touch that is only available to a true master Clarissa looks at the importance of school, community and education … And somehow manages to guide us towards thinking about helping our girls find an existential resilience. With the onslaught of increased mental illness and a rapidly changing and challenged world they are going to need it' Julie Lynn-Evans, author of What About the Children