The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Headship

Rob Morrissey

New headteachers: 10 things not to do!

Starting a new headship position this term? Rob Morrissey lists some things to avoid and describes what to focus on for a successful start. Without wishing to decry programmes such as the NPQH there is nothing which quite prepares you for being in the chair (as I call it) or headship. That said I...
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John Tomsett

From vision to action: planning with coherence

Your plan for school development need not be the most unwieldy tome or a way to impress those who hold you to account. John Tomsett explains how you can focus on what matters. Less is more, always. School leaders invariably feel safe when we have lots of plans to demonstrate the efforts we are...
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Paul K Ainsworth

Leadership styles in multi-academy trusts

Headteachers in MATs may need to adapt their leadership style. Paul Ainsworth looks at different examples of leadership and how they can work together for the success of the MAT. The growth of multi-academy trusts has made it imperative that headteachers work together rather than in isolation with...
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Lisa Griffin

23 top tips for new headteachers

Taking on the role of headship? Get prepared for the new challenges and responsibilities with advice and top tips from our experts and practitioners. Managing change 1. Dealing with change in the school system is a constant and complex task for leaders. People will expect changes and it’s a good...
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Lisa Griffin

Youngest headteacher in the UK is outstanding

How did the youngest headteacher in the UK, Siobhan Easton, achieve outstanding in her school’s first Ofsted inspection? Lisa Griffin, content lead for Leadership and Governance, interviews her to find out. Siobhan Easton, aged 27, heateacher at Marine Academy Plymouth (MAP) Primary School is the...
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