How does the headmaster differ from Hector in his views on education?

The main theme of the play is the purpose of education. Throughout the play, various characters question the aims of their education. The two main sides of the debate are presented by Hector and the headmaster. While the headmaster believes that education is just the means to an end, the end being entrance to a top-tier university, Hector believes that education is the end in and of itself. Irwin and Mrs. Lintott are positioned more in the middle of the debate, though both are willing to do what is necessary to prepare the students for their examinations.