I have been a head teacher for almost 20 years and therefore announcing that I was ‘retiring’ in a national newspaper yesterday because the job had become almost impossible made for a difficult read, especially for my wife. Firstly, did... Continue Reading →
A week in education can be many sparks of time, fast, slow but there’s always an end.. here’s my reflection on last week. This week there have been times I have felt like a stranded astronaut staring out at the... Continue Reading →
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 →
Oh, in no time at all This'll be the distant past Father John Misty - Ballad of a dying man Very recently I have had to admit to myself that I am not made of iron; that I cannot just... Continue Reading →
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 →
I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down Tubthumping - Chumbawamba I recently heard that when Tony Blair was asked how he had lasted so long as Prime Minister he took out... Continue Reading →
Every now and then being a school leader means you have to stand up to, or unwillingly meet, the gaze of heartache and conflict. In school leadership you become part of other peoples battles. No one faces this willingly. These... Continue Reading →
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 →
'I was just saying to your colleague, the referee has got me the sack, thank him ever so much for that, won't you?' England’s Graham Taylor to a linesman School leadership is under fire. I have read a 'horde of... Continue Reading →
Old Primary Head 