As a former headteacher, I know when to ask for help - and there's no better time than now
There are complexities school leadership - pandemic, or no. With experienced Achievement Partners like Andrew on their side, schools can enter 2021 with confidence.
2020 has put the education community through challenges we will never forget. Even now, school leaders are dealing with the unforeseen and often shocking consequences of the global pandemic, witnessing its profound impact on disadvantaged communities up and down the country.
However, pandemic or no, school leadership has never been described as an easy ride. Ofsted itself has commented on the complexities and pressures of leading a school – this is combined with the ever-present drive of school leaders to improve the environment for pupils, staff and the communities they serve.
This year, the media has kept a keen eye on how school leaders have dealt with the fallout of COVID-19, not limited to: the exams controversy, transitioning from lockdown, safeguarding, health and safety regulations and the frequently-changing guidance on keeping their school as COVID-secure as possible. It’s a real understatement to say that schools have done an excellent job in adapting and responding to this crisis. Yet, as a former headteacher myself, I recognise when it’s time to ask for help – and there’s probably no better time than now.
Ofsted itself has commented on the complexities and pressures of leading a school – this is combined with the ever-present drive of school leaders to improve the environment for pupils, staff and the communities they serve.
Schools working with Teach First on our Leading Together programme are partnered with an Achievement Partner like me, who is an experienced former headteacher. Our experience at their disposal, we offer support, challenge assumptions, and provide thorough coaching and mentoring that supports programme members to maintain a focus on their strategic goals. This helps school leaders lift their heads up and consider the long-term, as opposed to managing the present (which, currently, is rather chaotic and distracting). As such, Achievement Partners are uniquely positioned to offer the time and space to discuss issues and concerns in confidence.
It’s a real understatement to say that schools have done an excellent job in adapting and responding to this crisis. Yet, as a former headteacher myself, I recognise when it’s time to ask for help – and there’s probably no better time than now.
Programme members tell me that they value their coaching sessions with Achievement Partners and the time afforded to them. These sessions are driven by school leaders’ needs, and offer the chance to pause, reflect and weigh up options to difficult decisions – this is crucial, as many find that their colleagues are also extremely busy, and may not have the time or capacity to consider the options with them.
Achievement Partners are uniquely positioned to offer the time and space to discuss issues and concerns in confidence.
The Leading Together programme is packed with evidence-based professional development. Schools on the programme use this to enhance and complement their existing training. I work with the leaders as a group to support them in building a high-performing team. Investment in the senior leadership team will build their capability and capacity to lead change.
The opportunity to embark on organisational learning during a crisis has offered senior leadership teams the chance to think differently and look at issues facing the school from another angle. Doing this has been a welcome distraction, and provided space for some creative strategic thinking – which, will ultimately make a positive impact on their schools.
I work with school leaders as a group to support them in building a high-performing team. Investment in the senior leadership team will build their capability and capacity to lead change [in their school].
The most effective school leaders in a crisis are those that make sure the present is managed, while not losing their focus on leading together beyond the current pandemic. In working with us through the programme, we can help your senior leadership team hone their response – and set positive outcomes for 2021 and beyond.
Make a difference in your school and apply to Leading Together, or our other leadership programmes, today: