Inside the controversial organisation that Hugh Jackman considers his church – and actress Emily Watson claims was ‘unpleasant’ and ‘cruel’

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It’s the organisation that Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman considers his ‘church’. 

However, those critical of The School of Practical Philosophy view it as a near-religious group, and some have even labeled it cult-like.

Founded in 1938, the organization began as the Henry George School of Economics, established by British politician Andrew MacLaren and his son, Leon.

The group began as a study circle exploring the ideas of American economist Henry George. However, when MacLaren junior took over, he renamed it the School of Economic Science (SES) in 1942 and broadened its focus.

The group kept its original name until 2019, when it became the School of Philosophy and Economic Science, or SPES.

This organization also goes by the name School of Practical Philosophy in the United States and Australia.

It’s also called the School of Philosophy and has locations in Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.

It provides courses for personal growth that draw on wisdom from both Eastern and Western philosophies. These include traditional Hindu thought, the Advaita Vedanta school of thought, and practices like meditation and Sanskrit learning.

In addition, the organization has established a number of independent schools in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Hugh Jackman became involved with the organization in 1992 at the age of 24, and he’s frequently shared how much it benefited him.

In a 2006 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Hugh shared that his son, Oscar, who is now 25, went to one of the schools run by the organization.

Jackman explained that while capitalism has a lot of good qualities, it’s not a perfect system. That’s why this diverse group of people came together to seek out what they believed to be true and put it into practice. Now, their work has expanded globally.

‘The school accepts everyone. There’s even a school for children. Our son, Oscar, attends. 

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of raising a child with a strong sense of morality and purpose. For me, that’s a meaningful reason to become a parent.

He explained that the most important lesson Oscar learns is about helping others. He noted that during lunch, the children all take turns serving each other before they begin eating.

Hugh Jackman shared in a 2022 Interview magazine conversation that the School of Practical Philosophy has positively influenced every part of his life, even his work as an actor.

He explained that it’s become a significant part of his life, providing him with a strong sense of perspective and helping him better understand the world. He also noted it has greatly improved his acting.

Begin by focusing on your own growth, and then extend that effort to support those around you and the wider community.

Hugh Jackman, who grew up in the Anglican church, explained to Parade magazine in 2009 that he felt traditional religions were too limiting.

He explained that he felt the evangelical church was too limiting, but appreciated that the School of Practical Philosophy took a more gentle, non-challenging approach.

We see truth as existing in many different sources, not just religious texts. Core truths remain constant, regardless of where you find them – whether it’s in the Bible, a play by Shakespeare, or elsewhere. Ultimately, it all points to a unified reality.

The core idea is that figures like Buddha, Krishna, and Jesus, despite their different teachings, would actually find common ground. It suggests there’s a fundamental truth that unites them all, and that human potential is boundless.

Hugh Jackman’s connection to the School of Practical Philosophy may have been a key factor in his successful 27-year marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness.

The couple’s wedding rings featured the Sanskrit words ‘Om paramar mainamar,’ meaning ‘we offer our marriage to a higher power.’

Even though Hugh Jackman speaks highly of the organization, it has faced criticism, with some people—including former members—describing it as resembling a cult.

In 1984, British journalists Peter Hounam and Andrew Hogg wrote a book called Secret Cult. In it, they accused the group of using psychological manipulation to control its members, and suggested this control caused mental health problems for some individuals.

The organization decided not to respond to the claims made in the book or the earlier articles in the Evening Standard. However, the book did include a response from Roger Pincham, a long-time member of SES and then the chair of the UK Liberal Party.

Pincham firmly disagreed with Hounam and Hogg’s report, arguing it was unfair and biased. He stated the journalists based their story on the opinions of just a few unhappy students.

In 2005, an independent investigation revealed that students at two London schools run by the organization – St James Primary and St Vedast Senior School – were victims of criminal assaults between 1975 and 1985.

As a lifestyle expert, I often get asked about the backgrounds of different organizations, and in this case, I was looking into the Independent Educational Association, or IEA. They’re the group responsible for running the schools originally established by SES – it’s important to understand who’s behind these institutions!

The investigation, led by James Townend QC, found that male students were physically attacked, with some being punched in the face or stomach, or hit hard on the head.

He stated that no matter what happened to cause it, the mistreatment was unacceptable and a crime. He emphasized that there was no excuse for such behavior, calling it both unfair and illegal.

After the report was released, the organization released a statement saying they agreed with its conclusions and expressed sincere regret.

Honestly, it was like night and day! Old Townend kept saying how much the whole vibe of the top schools had shifted. It wasn’t just what they were doing, it was how they were acting – a total change in how everything was approached. He was completely struck by it, you could tell!

St Vedast was closed in 1985 following the revelations. 

In 2020, the BBC reported that nearly £1 million (about AUD $1.9 million) was awarded to former students as compensation, with the payments going to dozens of individuals.

Forty-five former students who went to the schools between 1975 and 1992 were each given payments of up to £30,000 (about AUD$57,000).

All cases were settled out of court and without an admission of liability. 

An IEA spokesperson issued a statement offering a full and sincere apology to everyone who experienced mistreatment during that period.

They explained that the school has changed completely, and now focuses above all else on ensuring every child is happy and well.

Jackman isn’t the only A-lister associated with the controversial organisation.

Emily Watson grew up within the Student Education Services (SES) system and went to St James Independent Schools, which are run by the organization.

In a 2023 interview with the Guardian, Watson said she experienced an ‘unpleasant’ environment.

She described the situation as deeply hurtful, involving harsh actions and unkind treatment that caused significant damage to those affected.

It’s likely things are different now, but back then, the organization was new and didn’t have any systems in place to protect children’s well-being.

Watson mentioned that her time at school wasn’t entirely negative, and she actually felt torn about it.

She explained that growing up also exposed her to many beautiful things, but admitted she felt torn about it all.

I believe some groups maintain control by instilling fear in people, and many religions operate similarly. It can be really difficult to step back and see the bigger picture when you’re caught up in that kind of environment.

Despite her concerns, Watson stayed with the organisation until she was expelled in 1996.

The expulsion came after she filmed nude scenes for the Lars Von Trier film Breaking The Waves.

In an interview with The Guardian, Watson explained that she expected to face consequences for her actions, stating that even if this particular issue hadn’t led to her expulsion, something else would have. She emphasized that her actions were strongly opposed by those in charge.

I finally stood up for myself, and that was the end of it. It was a difficult time, but it really helped me grow and become stronger. Those experiences teach you a lot.

SEPS has not publicly commented on Watson’s claims.

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2026-04-04 09:35