The NEW Ofsted window is open and post-Ofsted feedback is trickling in before any reports are seen. So far, I have heard nothing positive about the overall experience. This got me looking at Ofsted paperwork and in particular the guidance... Continue Reading →
The Weight We Carry After years in headship, I find myself asking questions I never expected. Not about pedagogy, vision, or curriculum but about myself. Do I still have the energy, the resilience, the will to keep going? The longer... Continue Reading →
This week, scientists discovered that your nose gets colder when you’re under stress. If that’s true, there must be a legion of icy-nosed school leaders across the country right now, bracing themselves for November and the looming shadow of Ofsted. ... Continue Reading →
After three decades in education, 22 of those as a headteacher I’ve seen trends rise, fall, and occasionally come back with a new hat. But SEND has morphed from a challenge into a full-blown daily crisis, with a price tag... Continue Reading →
There's a new Sheriff in town—and any excuse-making, low-standard varmint better brace themselves. This isn't just a shift; it's a full-blown reckoning. If you thought the old Ofsted regime was relentless, think again. This new era is all about passion—fearless,... Continue Reading →
In September of this year, we joined a Multi Academy Trust. It didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it was a journey the school took that spanned nearly four years. From initial conversations, which we knew would go nowhere – exploring... Continue Reading →
Atelophobia is an extreme fear of imperfection. Someone with this disorder may be terrified of making mistakes, or go to great lengths to avoid new situations because they can't guarantee that they'll succeed. The current education system is adding to School Leader Atelophobia... Continue Reading →
Serving our communities shouldn’t feel like a life sentence. I spoke to an ex colleague last week. Asking how they were getting on in their second year of headship. I knew them well and had helped them through some tough... Continue Reading →
Recently, I faced the fact that I had failed at something – quite publicly and dramatically - and it really hurt. I had a role of responsibility and I could not do it as I believed others felt I should... Continue Reading →
Old Primary Head 