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Experiences of new headteachers in cities - full report

Author: Peter Earley et al
Subject: Headship
Audience: Headteachers, Middle leaders and aspiring headteachers
Date of publication: November 2011   |   File format and size: PDF, 1.24 Mb

The challenges of working in a city are the subject of this study which explores the insights and experiences of people new to headship and working in urban schools. It concentrates on six new heads who were taking up posts where there was a need for the school to raise standards and for change to be introduced rapidly.

Key points

The speed of change necessary, difficulties in distributing leadership and getting to grips with the new school's capacity for change made the early days of headship more demanding than expected for heads in the study.

Other elements look at:

  • the vital importance of preparation for headship, including the good professional development and the value of previous experience as deputy or assistant heads but also in external roles, such as AST
  • loneliness and isolation of the role
  • role of mentoring and networks
  • the practice of headship and the chief demands on new heads' time and attention
  • heads' views of NPQH and teaching schools

Implications

A number of ideas to help heads to prepare for headship more effectively include dedicated pre-headship programmes, more understanding of finance, HR and legal issues, and opportunities to observe good practice.

The report also recommends making better use of the time leading up to the new headship, enabling the prospective head to spend time in the new school to gather information and build relationships with staff and governors.

The report also recommends continuing support for headteachers into their second year in post.

Case studies

Detailed case studies of six new heads are included in the report alongside four vignettes of more experienced heads and a series of reflective questions for readers to consider.

A summary of this report is also available.