The Origins of ISMLA

The idea of establishing an association to promote language learning and support language teachers within the independent sector emerged during a train journey in the early 1990s, shared by Daphne West, Head of Languages at Sherborne Girls, and Peter Such, Head of Languages at Sherborne School.

Subsequent networking led to the formation of a working party, which held its inaugural morning conference at Dulwich College. Among those involved were Peter Hamilton, then Head of Modern Languages at Westminster School, Anthony Earl, and Peter Kino, the then Head of Languages at Sevenoaks School. These colleagues are recognised as the founding members of ISMLA.

Background and Rationale

The reasons for establishing such an organisation at the time were as follows:

• Representation: Modern Languages stakeholders mainly reflected the priorities of colleagues in the state sector, and this focus naturally shaped the themes of conferences and publications.
• Professional collaboration: Many smaller independent schools sought a forum through which to share ideas, exchange good practice, and strengthen professional links.
• Contribution to national language education: Independent schools were increasingly contributing a substantial proportion of the nation’s linguists — a pattern that continues today, with over 30% of language undergraduates coming from the independent sector.
• Academic and cultural focus: Many schools within the sector foster strong cultural and literary interests, and some teachers are involved in research activities similar to those found in higher education.

The association developed rapidly, producing a regular bulletin, hosting an annual conference, and occasionally organising regional meetings. Successful conferences have been held at schools across the country — the first at Dulwich College on 18 September 1993 — with London-based events often attracting the largest audiences. The Committee has always valued the importance of holding conferences in a range of locations, including outside London, to ensure broad engagement across the sector.

The association now has a recognised national profile and is consulted by government bodies. Its role in supporting language education nationwide remains as important as ever.