Launch offer: How 7 Headteachers Built Outstanding Schools Despite the Barriers

In this new book, seven inspiring headteachers share how they transformed their schools - despite the odds. Their real-world insights offer practical, proven strategies that any school leader can learn from. And for today only (Monday 3rd March), you can get the Kindle edition for just 99p (RRP £16).

How 7 Headteachers Built Outstanding Schools Despite the Barriers

Being a school leader is truly work from the heart. You’re driven to create the best education for your children, but with ever-changing national and local challenges, it’s no easy task. Sometimes it feels like you’re running in circles, but there are guiding lights to show the way. Some leaders have managed to create exceptional […]

75% of school leaders don’t have…

75% of school leaders don’t have at least 2 hours to think. You might be thinking, 2 hours! Where am I going to find two hours just for thinking?! That would be amazing (and a luxury). But as a leader, thinking is a critical part of our roles.

Why 65% of difficult conversations fail—and how to fix them

65% of difficult conversations don’t get fixed. The problem comes back. Again and again. Does that sound familiar? It doesn’t have to be this way. I promised. Yes, promise! I’ve seen it.

What adult behaviour would you like to improve across your school?

You’re a teacher. I’m a teacher. We could get a class of 30 children to listen, to learn, to develop and to behave. So why is it harder with adults?!

What To Do When You Suspect Sickness Isn’t Real

It’s a time of year when sickness can increase. We all get ill. Some more than others, but illness is part of life. And most of the time, it is what it is. People are honest about it. They need time to rest. And you suspect nothing other than honesty. But what about when you don’t? When you have that niggle that they aren’t really ill?

You’re awesome, here’s why

My friend and headteacher Jo recently shared this message with our Heads Up Educational Excellence Mastermind Heads and it really does resonate so I thought you might like too: 5 reasons why being the headteacher is harder than you think - and one reason why it is worth it.

Are you one of the 75% of schools who have this issue?

75% of school leaders say they have a ‘difficult person’ in their team (aka the person you struggle to place when planning classes for next year). That makes a hard job (placing people in year groups) even harder. You might find yourself thinking ‘who’s turn is it?’. It’s not great for you, them, your team […]

This is what 70% of school leaders avoid talking about with their team…

In my Outstanding School Test, I ask the question: Do you talk to your team about their conduct as much as you do their performance? 70% say no. So on the plus side, maybe there is no need to talk about their conduct. On the other hand, maybe we’re not talking about conduct very much at all.

How can you work as hard, but get better results?

I think you and I can agree that: All schools are working hard. No school is ‘coasting’ (I hated that phrase!). Having walked into hundreds of schools I’ve never found a school that isn’t hard working and committed to their children and community, regardless of results or inspection outcome. But what is fascinating is what […]

Author: Sonia Gill

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