Senior leadership

Traits of a world class school

8 February 2017

Drawing on case studies from the World Class Schools Quality Mark, Miranda Perry looks at some of the traits and practices of the very best schools in England

Challenging schools: Five recurring themes

1 February 2017

Every school is different and must tackle its challenges in a way to suit its own circumstances. However, Daniel Sobel has seen some generally recurring themes and challenges faced by schools that could be classed as ‘vulnerable’

School improvement: Back from the brink

25 January 2017

Being placed in special measures when you are not expecting it can be a devastating blow. Writing anonymously, one senior leader explains how his school bounced back…

Regulations: Staying compliant

25 January 2017

What do you really have to do to stay compliant this year? Do you know the requirements from the myths? Marianne Pope puts some commonly (mis)understood expectations to the test

Five ideas for boosting your CPD in 2017

11 January 2017

Will you make CPD a priority in 2017? Bridget Clay offers five new year’s resolutions for your CPD – whether you are a teacher, a middle or a senior leader

Bett Show 2017 – Your SecEd Guide

8 December 2016

SecEd's annual Bett Show Guide offers 32 pages of preview information to help you prepare for the world's largest educational technology event, which takes place at London's ExCeL from January 25 to 28.

Are you drowning in meetings?

23 November 2016

Does your school or department call staff meetings for every little issue? Do you spend more time sitting around a table than on your feet teaching? Paul Gammans discusses how meetings could be structured to be more effective, efficient and productive

Six essential examination policies

16 November 2016

What are the examination policies that schools must have in place in order to satisfy both JCQ and Ofqual requirements? Jugjit Chima explains

Retention: How to keep hold of your teachers

2 November 2016

New research into retention has uncovered some of the reasons why teachers quit the profession as well as those vital ‘protective factors’ that can help a school to retain, engage and motivate their teachers. Researcher Sarah Lynch takes a look

Middle leadership: The importance of reflection

2 November 2016

As a middle leader, Jamie O’Keefe relies heavily on reflection to maximise his performance. He urges us all to take that step back now and again and offers key questions to help

Supporting the next generation of leaders

2 November 2016

The charities Teaching Leaders and Future Leaders are joining forces later this month to continue together their work to support and develop middle and senior leaders working in schools in challenging circumstances. James Toop explains

KISS: Rules of engagement

12 October 2016

The management technique Keep-Improve-Start-Stop – or KISS – can be used as an effective leadership tool to deliver powerful results, says Howard Jackson. He explains how it might work in an education setting

Key stage 3: Avoiding the year 8 ‘dip’

28 September 2016

Continuing his focus on key stage 3 education, Matt Bromley looks at how we can tackle the common problem of the year 8 ‘dip’, when students can suffer from a lack of motivation and engagement

Getting honest with your school's student data

28 September 2016

In an era of big data, we can easily lose our way navigating the wealth of information we collect. Assistant principal Giselle Hobbs decided to go back to basics with her school’s new approach to data

The Standard for Teachers’ Professional Development

14 September 2016

A new DfE Standard for Teachers’ Professional Development has been published. Chair of the independent group of experts who put the document together, David Weston, looks at what it means for schools and teachers’ CPD

Leadership: Remember, it’s we not me...

14 September 2016

Colin McLean speaks to headteacher Christine Mitchell to get her advice for those starting a new headship this term. The key, she says, is to remember ‘we not me’

Academies: The $64,000 question

7 September 2016

Does academy conversion raise standards? This key question has been long argued over, especially since 2010. New research from NFER attempts to provide some answers. Jack Worth looks at the findings

School leadership: Time to end the hero head myth

7 September 2016

With a significant proportion of headteachers approaching retirement, a report has raised concerns that the government’s leadership succession plan is still too reliant on ‘hero heads’. Its author James Croft says it is time to think differently about leadership and give schools more responsibility ...

Leadership: Seven useful questions

6 July 2016

When challenges arise, the most inspirational school leaders use seven powerful questions to promote professional dialogue, encourage staff ownership and ensure clear communication. David Weston explains

Taking educated risks: part 4

6 July 2016

In the final part of this series, Matt Bromley pulls together his discussions on what professional teacher autonomy means and its links to outstanding practice. Here, he discusses what risk-taking in teaching and learning, in this context, looks like and why it is important
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