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When One Mark Matters: A Question of Trust in the SATs System

Over the past few days, I have received messages from school leaders and teachers across the country. Many have shared stories of unexpected marking decisions, disputed reviews and outcomes that simply do not seem to align with the evidence in... Continue Reading →

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Were SATs Papers Marked Fairly?

"Be reassured results are accurate" Bridget Phillipson - Schools Week 16th July 2025 My team have spent much of the past two days doing something that I suspect many school leaders across the country are doing right now. Checking SATs scripts.... Continue Reading →

Is the New Ofsted Framework Creating an Uneven Playing Field for LA Schools? 

Why “Internal vs External Support” Risks Becoming a New Source of Unfairness The 2025 Education Inspection Framework (EIF) brings a major shift in how leadership, governance, and improvement capacity are judged.Much of this shift is positive: schools should know themselves... Continue Reading →

Lead Well – Mind and Body Pt2

I wrote a blog last week that detailed my recent health concerns and how I needed to acknowledge the impact that being a head teacher was having on my own wellbeing. It prompted an unprecedented response – over 100 DMs... Continue Reading →

The Great Wall of EduTwitter and why we need it.

“I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Twitterer.” - UK tweetcher, Jon F Kipper, June 26th 2019, Weston Super Mare Whoever heard of a beautiful wall? Walls are practical, concrete, to keep people in, or out; to defend... Continue Reading →

In the Castle of Me – thoughts on why we need to change the school leadership narrative

Respect goes a long way and yet some people seem to find it is so easy to critique the faults of others. I dread this time of year because you are usually a couple of SATs questions away from notching... Continue Reading →

The School Delusion

"You seem to be lost in a world of statistics when these headteachers who wrote this letter to their parents yesterday are dealing with the reality and you can quote as many numbers as you like about what you say... Continue Reading →

Computer Love – Why I’m not worried about Machine Learning

I don't know what to do I need a rendezvous Computer love Computer love Kraftwerk Other than worrying about a world war triggered via twitter by the fiery incompetence and lies of world ‘leaders’; this week I have been musing... Continue Reading →

Breaking Heads – How far is too far?

I have been a head teacher for 16 years. At my Performance Management this week my governors asked about my well being. EVERY governing body should be asking that question right now because headship has become toxic. That is not... Continue Reading →

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