Sorry, this blog is a little messy – but I think it is one of the most important ones I’ve written this year. The issues have been burning away for some time. I came into teaching to educate; to build knowledge, understanding and prepare children... Continue Reading →
This week’s Government announcement of at least £3 billion to expand specialist places within mainstream schools could be a significant moment for creating more inclusive schools. The plan is to create tens of thousands of tailored spaces in local schools,... Continue Reading →
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 →
Old Primary Head 