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Heart of the matter: a practical guide to what middle leaders can do to improve learning in secondary schools

Middle leaders vary in titles and responsibilities, from subject leaders and year heads to those with roles related to broader aspects of learning and development. Yet across all secondary schools, middle leaders represent a critical base of knowledge and expertise.

It discusses a shift in their role from managers of resources to leaders of people. This demands the development of a strong relationship between middle and senior leaders, and explores how those in senior positions can support, challenge and enable middle leaders to have maximum impact on the quality of learning in schools.

Making it practical

This booklet sets out eight areas in which middle and senior leaders can make a difference to learning., You will find practical suggestions for each of these, set out in colour coded sections. For each, we list what middle leaders can do and how senior leaders can support and enable them to work effectively.

There are eight chapters.

• Focus on learning and teaching
• Generate positive relationships
• Provide a clear vision and high expectations
• Improve the environment
• Provide time and opportunities for collaboration
• Distribute leadership: build teams
• Engage the community
• Evaluate and innovate