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.

Your staff matter… but does the space show it? 3 simple, cheap tips to show the love

“I used to avoid the staffroom on purpose.” A head said this to me. She didn’t want to intrude. She wanted it to feel like their space. But one day, she really looked at it. Old sofa. Cluttered surfaces. A noticeboard layered with old messages. “Nothing awful,” she said. “But it didn’t reflect how highly I think of my staff.”

The mistake most heads make after a resignation

When someone resigns, it’s easy to panic. Advert. Replace. Move on. But sometimes that instinct costs more than we realise. Before you automatically refill a post, there’s one smarter question you’ll love asking!

Why excellent schools look like they have extra budget

Here’s something I see in outstanding schools almost everywhere I go: They look like they have money. But they don’t. They have more Superstars on their payroll. What do I mean by superstars? People who are brilliant at their job and great cultural fit for your school. Put simply, you’d clone them if you could! And that alone gives them the equivalent of £200k extra for every £1m of payroll.

Sickness rates creeping up? Here’s how to stay calm and in control.

It’s that time of year again. The bit between half term and Christmas — when coughs, colds, and viruses seem to sweep through schools (it even got me!). And while most absences are completely genuine, it can still feel frustrating and exhausting — especially when you’re already running on fumes.

Tag: School leadership

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