Tag: education
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Leadership Is Delayed Gratification
I have been fortunate to work in six very different schools, from an all-through independent school to city academies, and have enjoyed a deeply rewarding career. Like most people who have spent many years in education, there have been moments of immense satisfaction alongside periods of challenge. Yet, when we leave the profession, it is…
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Learning from Football’s Biggest Stage
Effective School Self-Evaluation Recently, while watching Dear England—the television adaptation charting Gareth Southgate’s journey as England manager—we were struck by how many parallels exist between elite sport and educational leadership. As a family of both Scottish and English football supporters, conversations around recent tournaments, qualification campaigns and hopes for the 2026 World Cup are never…
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Intentional Leadership
Why purpose matters in schools and in life When our son and his girlfriend shared their latest project, it made us pause. . @lewisandkelly are completing the viral 75 Hard challenge which has captured so many people. They explained: “When you think of a goal or resolutions, a 75-day workout might not top the list.…
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Filling the Jar with the Right Priorities
School improvement is rarely held back by a lack of effort. In most schools, staff work incredibly hard, leaders care deeply, and there is no shortage of ideas, initiatives, strategies, interventions, data points and action plans. The challenge is not usually whether we are doing enough. The challenge is whether we are doing the right…
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Every Child Achieving and Thriving:
What really changes – and what stays the same – for schools and trusts The publication of Every Child Achieving and Thriving marks the most significant statement of direction for schools and SEND in England for several years. As with any major white paper, it has prompted both hope and anxiety across the sector. From…
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Ofsted’s new framework: Why “secure fit” might not fit schools
One thing that really gets our goat is bad data. Data that fails to tell the right story, or provide valid and reliable evidence, can leave school leaders bewildered rather than informed. Nicki has recently served as a Trustee and Chair of Governors during inspections under the new Ofsted framework, seeing firsthand how these changes…
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Leading data conversations with compassion and clarity
A personal reflection I still remember the first time I led a pupil progress meeting as a new headteacher. I had spreadsheets, graphs, and color-coded charts ready to go. What I didn’t have, however, was a plan for the silence that followed when I showed those numbers. The teachers weren’t seeing data — they were…
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Beyond Academics: Let’s Build Mentally Healthy Schools in 2026!
It’s the start of the new year and you’re thinking – how can I getthrough this year and achieve the best possible outcomes for my pupils andstaff? While academic achievement is a cornerstone of our work, there’s aneven deeper current flowing beneath it that’s absolutely vital: mental health.It’s the silent force that can either empower…
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Building strong foundations: the importance of quality phonics and early reading in primary schools
Since the start of my teaching career, I’ve spent most of my time in Early Years and Key Stage 1. It’s fair to say that much of my day — and sometimes even my dreams revolves around phonics! Many education professionals still view phonics as an EYFS or KS1 skill, but increasingly, both the reading…
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Why attendance matters more than ever in schools
For too long, attendance has been a growing concern not just for school offices or senior leadership teams, but for the entire school community. We all know that regular attendance plays a crucial role in children’s learning, safeguarding and overall development. It’s no surprise that attendance — and particularly term-time holidays — remains a frequent…
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