Support, Insight & Practical Tools for Thoughtful Parenting
š Welcome
Parenting can be joyful ā and incredibly tough.
Between school admissions, behaviour struggles, and the everyday chaos of family life, itās easy to feel overwhelmed.
Thatās why I created the Mindful Parent Hub ā a growing space for parents who want to think clearly, act with purpose, and raise children who are resilient, curious, and emotionally grounded.
Iām Francis Gilbert ā teacher, parent, and author of Parent Power and Working the System. As Head of the MA in Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths, and someone whoās worked with families for over two decades, Iāve seen firsthand the pressures parents face ā and the strategies that genuinely help.
Here youāll find a carefully curated mix of:
- My most-read articles on school systems, stress, and choice
- Reflections from my podcast Mindful Learning
- Practical resources and advice (with more coming soon)
Itās early days ā this is very much a work-in-progress ā but thereās already plenty here to get stuck into.
Welcome. Youāre not alone. Letās explore what mindful parenting can look like ā together.
š Most Read Posts by Parents
- How You Can Win Your School Appeal
Step-by-step advice on school appeals that still helps thousands of parents every year. - The Lesson We Can Learn About Schools
A reflective piece on the nature of education and what truly matters for children. - School Choice: An Overrated Concept
Why the myth of the āperfect schoolā might be doing more harm than good. - Should Parents Pay for Solicitors to Help Them Get the School of Their Choice?
Weighing up the ethics and effectiveness of legal help in admissions. - How to Cope with Secondary School Trauma
Practical guidance for helping your child manage the transition to secondary school.
Most recent Articles/Podcasts
Whatās the Best Education for Your Child?
I recently recorded a very special episode of the Mindful Learning Podcast with my son, Theo. We went on a long car journey and ended up reflecting deeply on his educationāfrom private prep school to state primary, local comprehensive to sixth form college, and beyond. Heās now a singer-songwriter and on the Civil Service Fast Stream. We talked honestly about bullying, creativity, great teachers, and why change can be a good thing. I also wrote an accompanying article exploring six key lessons Iāve learned as a parent navigating the education system. Itās one of the most personal things Iāve doneāboth as a father and as an educator. If youāre wondering what the ābestā education really looks like, I hope it offers some helpful insights.
Four Reasons Why VAT on Private School Fees Is a Good Idea
On LBC with Matthew Wright, I explained why VAT on private school fees is a fair and vital policy. It ends an unjust tax break, redirects funding to state schools, and encourages social integration. As a teacher, parent, and advocate for mindful education, Iāve seen how this can build a fairer system. Read more and listen in at www.francisgilbert.co.uk. #MindfulLearning #EducationPolicy #VAT #FairEducation #LBC
