Leighton Park reflections - An interview with John Dunston, head
Morwenna Hull and Leighton Park head John Dunston consider the importance of community and values in a school
When waiting to interview John Dunston, I am not afraid to say I was nervous, but the second I walked into his room, John straight away made me comfortable and gave me a feeling of being welcome. I have known John Dunston for six and a half years as Head at Leighton Park School. So to be able to interview him, as he is soon leaving, was a great honour. John Dunston is the first Jewish head in a Quaker school; he believes that his values have been similar in many ways to Quakerism, but also complemented by it, to give him a greatly enriched spiritual sense. He has now been a Head at Quaker schools for twenty years. He was at Sibford for six and a half years, and then at Leighton Park since 1996. When he was asked how he felt about leaving after this significant period of time he said: ‘I am going to miss Leighton Park, but I do think that it’s the right time for the school to begin its next chapter, and for me as well to have the chance for a change in direction.’
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