Praise for Building Schools for Boys by Dr Phil Cummins and David Atkinson

To educate a boy is to prepare a man of character, capable of navigating a world of increasing complexity and moral ambiguity. The most profound work a school can undertake is to ensure that every boy is grounded in a strong sense of self, knowing what he stands for and, critically, what he stands against.

In an era of rapid change and shifting expectations of masculinity, schools are called to embrace a countercultural role. They must be intentional communities that actively form virtue and resilience, rather than simply reflecting the cultural currents outside their walls. This vital work is about equipping young men with the courage to uphold ethical standards, the empathy to forge genuine relationships with others and the leadership to contribute meaningfully to society. It is about creating school cultures where character and relationality are not optional 'addons', but the central, non-negotiable work of the institution.

Cummins and Atkinson are authoritative voices in this field, and their work in character education is both timely and essential. This book provides an intelligent, practical and hopeful framework for educators. It challenges us to move beyond narrow academic measures of success to focus on the enduring task of sculpting good men for a better future. I commend this book to all who share this noble commitment.

Dr Ian PM Lambert
Principal, The Scots College, Sydney
Former Vice President, International Boys' School Coalition

Schooling is an enormously complex practice - one that exists at the intersection of social life, family life, personal wellbeing, institutional pressure and politics. However, above all, schooling is a hopeful practice. It is a practice that is built on two key beliefs:

That people can learn, change and grow.

And that, as a society, we have knowledge that is worth passing on to the next generation.

Writing about schooling is often focused on how we manage the complexity to successfully meet these two core beliefs. While this volume does not shy away from that complexity, it is unapologetically hopeful in its consideration of what schools can and should be in the life of boys. Drawing on theory and research, the book provides practical guidance through illustrative case studies, frameworks and snapshots of practice to unpack key questions about how schools can work with and for boys, focusing on how the culture of schools can provide boys with meaning, joy, relationships and learning that will guide them throughout their lives.

Professor Kelly Freebody
Head of the Sydney School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney

Parents and students benefit from choice and, for many parents and pupils, singlesex schooling is the option they prefer. This timely study looks closely at the broad body of research about the circumstances in which boys can best learn, and applies it to local contexts.

Cummins and Atkinson, both expert practitioners, have combined to present a thoughtful, persuasive and refreshingly positive framework for what they define as the challenge of growing good men at school.

They argue that it is through a hope-filled experience of school that boys can learn to honour their intentions and make valuable contributions in life. At a time of global and societal uncertainty, when so many aspects of education seem to be struggling to create a better society, and to imbue young people with a greater sense of purpose and self-worth, this is a study of great value, as fascinating as it is welcome and timely.

Tim Hands
Former Master, Magdalen College School, and Headmaster, Winchester College
Former Chair, HMC