Future Thinking with David Paton
Ideas That Shape the Next Generation
At Radnor House Sevenoaks, we believe leadership begins with ideas and no one embodies this more than our Founder and Head, David Paton: a parent first, an educator second, and a lifelong believer in the potential of young people.
Future Thinking with David Paton is his platform for sharing the sharp, forward-looking insights that have shaped our school’s vision. Here, he explores the major themes influencing childhood and education today.
These are not just reflections; they are provocations - designed to challenge, inspire and equip families with the understanding they need to help their children thrive in an unpredictable world.
Future Thinking is part of what sets Radnor House Sevenoaks apart: original thinking from the very person who built the school’s foundation.
Featured Future Thinking
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Australia Just Banned Teen Social Media But Are We Fixing the Wrong Problem
This week Australia embarked on a rather novel social experiment which involves banning social media sites for users under the age of 16. David Paton reflects on whether the ban will achieve the transformational effect many hope for.
More From David
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Why Reducing Prejudice Starts in a Classroom 4000 Miles From Sevenoaks
The Dutch historian Rutger Bregman recently delivered his two-part Reith Lecture series on BBC Radio 4. David Paton reflects on whilst his focus was on moral decay, it was his earlier book Humankind that inspired the founding of Radnor Junior School in Uganda.
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The Science Is Clear Kids Need Struggle to Grow
For years we have assumed that adolescence ends when pupils leave school; once students turn 18 and leave for university, the ‘adult brain’ is ready for whatever life throws at it. But recent research, including the Cambridge study reported in Nature and by the BBC this week, paints a very different picture.
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The Health Lesson Every Family Should Learn from David Cameron
News this week that David Cameron has received treatment for prostate cancer has dominated the political headlines. Seen through the lens of a school community, however, it offers a far more universal reminder.
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Against The Odds
Scotland’s road to World Cup 2026 and David Paton's view on what it teaches us about resilience and success at Radnor House Sevenoaks.
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Beyond the 11+ - Why Character Development Matters More Than Ever
Each year, as the 11+ approaches, the atmosphere at the top end of many primaries and prep schools subtly shifts. Our Head, David Paton talks about when so much attention is placed on a single assessment, it becomes easy to lose sight of what we know from educational research about how children grow, learn and develop.
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When Manhattan Met Sevenoaks: The School Visit That Redefined Global Learning
International exchanges in schools are often described in broad terms such as ‘strengthening cultural enrichment’ or ‘building global awareness’ and so on - but the real value becomes apparent only when young people meet face-to-face, share ideas, and recognise in one another something familiar. David Paton reflects on the Nightingale School’s annual visit from Manhattan last week - not just a pleasant cultural moment, but a reminder of the deeper educational purpose behind global connections.
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AI Is Coming for Their Jobs: How Do We Future Proof Our Children
As AI accelerates the future workforce won’t just be about more or fewer jobs, but very different ones. That’s exactly why we need to ask - what skills will truly future-proof our children? Our Head, David Paton talks about why the future belongs to those who think, feel and create beyond the algorithm.
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What Happens When Trusted Voices Falter?
Over the past week, the BBC's reputation has been under the spotlight as allegations of editorial bias continue to swirl. Senior resignations and intense public scrutiny have raised important questions about trust, impartiality and accountability. For children, these moments can be disorientating – if the BBC can get it wrong, who can they rely on?
