When a parent sends a 50-page email… do this first

A very long parent email can take up emotional energy before you’ve even replied. Here is a coaching technique that can completely change how you respond.

How to shape parent culture early — without adding more work

Welcome back! It’s a new school year and that always brings energy with it. New classes.New relationships.New opportunities to strengthen what already works well. And whilst September is undeniably busy, I think most school leaders also enjoy this time of year. There’s momentum.Fresh starts.The chance to build culture intentionally from day one. And that September […]

3 schools, 3 brilliant ideas for your new year

Three schools, three brilliant ideas for your new year There's something about the run-up to September that feels different from any other time of year. New pens. Fresh planners. That flicker of possibility. One of my favourite things to do this time of year is look at what excellent schools are doing differently.

Has your school’s team culture been on your mind?

Over a third of the heads I speak to raise something about their team's culture. Culture is abstract, but it's really just people — what they do, day in, day out. I've been looking at what's different in high-performing school teams.

Who’s behaviour or conduct keeps being an issue?

Nearly half the heads I talk to raise the same thing. Whatever else is going on in their school, there’s a member of staff whose performance or behaviour isn’t where it needs to be. And a conversation they’ve been putting off. I get why. These conversations feel personal, even when they’re not. Most of us […]

How to enjoy six weeks off without losing yourself before September

How's your break going? One of my Mastermind heads showed me how to plan a summer around what actually recharges you

Difficult Parents. This isn’t about blame. It’s about clarity.

The first two weeks of September shape far more of the parent culture than we realise. Not through policy. Through lived experience. If parent issues felt heavy at times this year, this might help you head into September differently.

When your pupils walk back through the doors in September…

As the school year comes to an end, it’s worth pausing for a moment. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing one simple idea: Your environment is always saying something. So before the summer break, here's one simple reflection

Where do your most vulnerable pupils go for interventions?

When a child needs extra help… Where do they go? What does that space say? Environment can imply 'second best' — without us meaning to. Here's a simple way to look at your intervention spaces differently.

What happened after just one walk around a school

“The environment of both my schools has changed beyond recognition.” That’s what one executive head told me after an environmental walk. Not after a big refurbishment. Not after spending a large sum. Just after looking at the school differently.

Author: Sonia Gill

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