Exciting things are happening in the once-moribund English Schools Foundation (ESF). One might be tempted to say: about time. After decades of being a snug club for the colonial elite, then being wracked by public controversies, rows, upheavals and widespread staff discontent, the major non-Chinese school system in Hong Kong now seems set on a swiftly progressive path.
Say thank you to Jennifer Wisker.
The ESF chief executive was recruited five years ago when the organisation was almost paralysed following the costly ouster of her predecessor by what was basically a teacher-inspired coup. The episode was hardly likely to inspire faith among students and parents. The ESF was once run almost like a private club but on public money.
Ms Wisker took over in 1993. She had high academic qualifications, extensive teaching skills, a solid record of educational administration and, perhaps most importantly, a great deal of common sense. She had been Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools in Britain and had run the sizeable Somerset County education system.
She seemed, in short, ideally suited to the task.
Fortunately for the 10,000 students in ESF classrooms, and to the relief of their parents, the early confidence in Ms Wisker has proved to be well founded.
