Diary of a headteacher: The evolving role of headteacher

The role of the modern headteacher is ever-evolving. Even with only four years’ experience of headship, I can detect a shift in the way school leaders are required to work. I have questioned whether this is simply my leadership evolving as I become more experienced or whether these changes are being felt across the system.

Is the role becoming increasingly distant from the classroom? Are headteachers being forced further from their teaching roots because of the increasingly demanding business aspects of education leadership?

The role of the head has never been simple, but I can certainly feel it becoming more and more complex with each academic year. As the academies movement matures across the country and multi-academy trusts (MATs) become more established, the nature of school leadership roles has evolved significantly.