THREAD about Headship. From *MY* perspective. I am not a head. So it’s just a viewpoint from looking in at you amazing HeadTeachers out there...

When I started my teaching journey at 21, 15 years ago, I wanted to be a head by 35. I’m 36 now, I stopped the push towards headship around 32, when Zakariya was a thought in our lives. But why...

Firstly I understood that reaching a stage of your career at a certain age for me is a foolish endeavour. More important than a particular milestone is understanding whether one is ready and experienced enough. But most importantly willing enough...

I’ve realised the role of a Headteacher from when I began teaching to now has *changed* massively. It’s morphed into something much different to what I thought. I *thought* it was (naively) *JUST* about being the HEAD Teacher. Ie the main teacher, driver of standards...*ONLY*

I now realise that’s not the only job that a headteacher must do. Since 21, to now; there are so many things a headteacher needs to know/experience in intense detail.
HR processes
Legal Documentation
Money management/financial stability
Risk Assessments
Application of Gov...

It would be right for any super experienced head teacher to correct me and say that’s *ALWAYS* been the role and they’ve always had to do those items, but in my *HEAD* and maybe in others, I don’t think we *realised*.

Essentially a massive thank you HeadTeachers. A massive group hug to you all. These last few months have been incredibly difficult. And you have been shelters, protectors and guides. Thanks to Trusts, CEOs who like mine have been amazing to all their colleagues.

It is also *vital* to remember that HeadTeachers come in all shapes and sizes! What I mean is from Small Pri to MATs, to Prus, FEs, and Special Schools. All have relative responsibility and accountability. I fear sometimes we forget about the others.