You need to be tough to get to the top
I applied for several headships before I got my first one. I got through to the last round of interviews several times, which taught me a great deal although it was disheartening at times. Aspiring headteachers have to be tough because the chances are you will be rejected many times over – you can’t let this put you off.
A head must also be pretty tough when having difficult conversations with staff or parents. I find it is helpful always to have at the front of your mind, “What is best for the students?” This can make unpleasant conversations easier to handle as it should always be about the students.
Heather Hanbury is the new headteacher at The Lady Eleanor Holles school in Middlesex. She previously ran Wimbledon High school.
My phone is constantly buzzing with emails
When I started as headteacher 16 years ago, I had very little contact from colleagues over weekends. You’d only take the work home that you need, but these days emails flow incessantly and my iPhone is constantly going off.
There is more to do in a day than there are hours in which to do it. As in any sector, a good head has to prioritise and also find time for certain things. For example, I have just spent the last hour observing a great physics lesson but there were plenty of other reasons why I could have spent that time at my desk.
As a headteacher you need to juggle many different jobs. People come to me with matters that aren’t always academic, including pastoral and health and safety issues, and I need to be able to help them make decisions. I have learnt a lot of these skills on the job through working and watching others.
Then there’s the leadership part that can’t be taught. In my opinion you either have leadership potential or you don’t.
David Dunn is headteacher of Yarm school in Yarm in the north east of England.
Don’t be afraid to take the slow lane
I was working at Heathfield school in Harrow when I became pregnant. I chose to have seven years out until my youngest child was 4 and then returned to teaching as head of maths and IT at Notting Hill and Ealing Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST). I then took a drop down the ladder to become a class teacher at Colet Court, the preparatory school of St Paul’s school, pushing myself to take on new areas by becoming the head of special educational needs. From there, I became head of the junior school at Notting Hill and Ealing GDST. Now I am the headteacher of Kensington Prep school GDST.
There are one million routes in, but my route gave me a broad range of experience. I worked part time, supply teaching in a wide number of settings including my son’s state primary school. I deliberately took a step backwards.
If I could give my younger self any advice it would be to do it your own way, and the way that works for you. A lot of young people today think you need to stay going up the career ladder at all costs. But you can go off and do other things if you’ve got a good record. I would say do not worry if your journey isn’t a straight trajectory – you have to stick to your guns.
Prudence Lynch is headteacher of Kensington Prep school GDST.
A large part of my job involves being a business woman
I had only ever taught in inner city state comprehensives before accepting this post. I came to Howell’s school as a deputy, and fell in love with it. I’ve been here now for two decades.
Being a business woman is a large part of the job, so working with the budgets that I have while being as creative as possible. The biggest expense for me is always on staffing because that’s what is really important – employing the very best teachers and supporting them when they’re here.
You also need to look after your own wellbeing as a headteacher because the job requires full commitment, often six to seven days a week. Balancing personal, family life with such work demands can be tricky. I make sure I still enjoy quality time with friends and family, and have time for myself too. Surrounding myself with a strong and committed leadership team is vital to my success; having the right people in the right job is paramount.
Sally Davis is the headteacher of Howell’s school in Cardiff, Wales.
Spend time with pupils
The most important thing any headteacher needs is absolute belief in potential of young people. We do this by appointing passionate subject specialists, setting a culture of high expectations and making sure all students are supported and encouraged to achieve the best they possibly can. It is important to develop a vibrant extra-curricular atmosphere, and a strong pastoral care network is essential.
Headteachers must take time to immerse themselves in school life. I am rarely at my desk – admin waits until after school hours. During the day, the time I spend with students and teachers, walking around, taking part in the extra-curricular life, talking to students and colleagues, and teaching takes precedence. I have always taught all year 7 students to get to know them as they enter the school: that way, I can get a sense of who they are and the students also get to know me.”
Bernice McCabe is the headteacher of North London Collegiate school.
• This article was changed on 3 October 2014 to amend the quote from Bernice McCabe. This article was amended further on 7 October 2014 to expand McCabe’s quote.