It's the organisation that Aussie A-lister considers his 'church'.
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Hugh Jackmans Controversial Church: Cruel Claims Inside
It's the organisation that Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman considers his 'church'. But for critics of The School of Practical Philosophy, it is a quasi-religious '...
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But for critics of The School of Practical Philosophy, it is a quasi-religious 'sect' that has been described by some as cult-like.
The organisation was founded in 1938 by British politician Andrew MacLaren and his son Leon as the Henry George School of Economics.
Initially a study group that focused on the theories of American economist Henry George, its focus shifted when MacLaren junior inherited the organisation and changed the name to the School of Economic Science (SES) in 1942.
The group retained the name until 2019, when it changed to the School of Philosophy and Economic Science (SPES).
The organisation also operates under the name the School of Practical Philosophy in countries like the US and Australia.
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It's the organisation that Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman considers his 'church'. But for critics of The School of Practical Philosophy, it is a quasi-religious 'sect' that has been described by some as cult-like (Pictured: Hugh Jackman)
The organisation was founded in 1938 by British politician Andrew MacLaren (pictured) and his son Leon as the Henry George School of Economics
It is also known as the School of Philosophy for various international branches in , Ireland and .
It offers non-academic courses using insights from Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, including orthodox Hindu philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, as well as meditation and learning Sanskrit.
It has also founded several independent schools in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Jackman joined the organisation back in 1992, when he was 24, and has often spoken about the positive effect it had on his life.
Speaking to Oprah Winfrey in 2006, Hugh revealed that his son, Oscar, now 25, attended one of the independent schools operated by the group.
'Capitalism is a wonderful idea, but it isn't a cure-all. So this nondenominational group of people wanted to get together, find the truth, then apply it. Now the school is all over the world,' Jackman explained.
'The school accepts everyone. There's even a school for children. Our son, Oscar, attends.
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'I always thought it would be fascinating to raise a child to understand the principles of divine order. That is a reason to have children.'
The organisation, now known as the School of Philosophy and Economic Science (SPES) also operates under the name the School of Practical Philosophy (SPP) in countries like the US and Australia. It is also known as the School of Philosophy for various international branches in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. (Pictured SPP's New York headquarters)
Jackman joined the organisation back in 1992, when he was 24, and has often spoken about the positive effect it had on his life
'The school accepts everyone. There's even a school for children. Our son, Oscar, attends,' he told Oprah Winfrey in 2006
'There was extreme behaviour, cruelty and unpleasantness that was very damaging for some people,' she told the Guardian in 2023. 'I'm sure it's a very different place now, but [the SES] was a very young organisation that had no protection built in for the welfare of children'
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In a statement, an IEA spokesperson apologies 'unreservedly to each of those who suffered mistreatment during that time.'
They added: 'The school today is an entirely different place, one in which the happiness and welfare of every child is paramount.'
Jackman isn't the only A-lister associated with the controversial organisation.
Actress Emily Watson was brought up in the organisation and attended SES-run St James Independent Schools.
Speaking about her experiences to the Guardian in 2023, Watson described an 'unpleasant' atmosphere.
'There was extreme behaviour, cruelty and unpleasantness that was very damaging for some people,' she said.
'I'm sure it's a very different place now, but [the SES] was a very young organisation that had no protection built in for the welfare of children.'
Watson added that her experiences with the school weren't all bad, with the actress admitting she was 'conflicted'.
Despite her concerns, Emily stayed with SES until she was expelled in 1996. The expulsion came after Emily filmed nude scenes for the Lars Von Trier film Breaking The Waves. 'If it hadn't been that it would have been something else. This was something that they very strongly disapproved of,' she said
'There are very beautiful things around it as well that you learn as you're growing up. I was quite conflicted,' she said.
'I think those organisations keep people close through fear. A lot of religions work in that way. It's a lot of unravelling to try and see the wood for the trees.'
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.
Speaking about her expulsion to The Guardian, Watson said: 'If it hadn't been that it would have been something else. This was something that they very strongly disapproved of.
'I stood up for myself, and that was that. It was a tough moment in my life, but a defining moment and a very strengthening moment. You learn from these things.'
SEPS has not publicly commented on Watson's claims.
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