Guru Nanak School: retaining a range of future leadership options

Summary

With a single headteacher and two governing bodies, Guru Nanak School has been able to raise standards while retaining a range of options for future leadership structures.

Key learning/outcomes

The primary and secondary school both achieved outstanding results in their most recent Ofsted inspections.
Strong CVA scores and Key Stage 4 and 5 results reflect the positive impact of the school’s ethos and model of leadership.

Background

Guru Nanak School is located in Hayes, Middlesex. It joined the state sector in 1999 as an all-age school, but by 2003 the primary part of the school was in special measures. The headteacher of the secondary school took over the headship of both schools, each with their own governing body.

Guru Nanak School is part of a worldwide family of Sikh faith schools that share a vision of doing all that they can for each learner, to enable them to go out and help others in the future.

Key challenges and issues

Raising standards

With the primary school in special measures, the governing bodies needed to take action to raise standards and bring stability to the school.

Succession planning

The governors wanted to keep their options open with regard to future leadership structures when the current headteacher retires.

Solution or approach

Retaining two governing bodies

The primary and secondary parts of the school are led by a single headteacher, but with two governing bodies. When the headteacher retires, the governors will have the option to continue with the existing leadership model, appoint two separate headteachers or merge the two schools under one headteacher.

Monitoring and assessment

Guru Nanak School monitors and assesses all pupils from an early age. The school uses this information to develop strategies to support the children and also monitors the impact of these strategies.

Further information

For further information contact Guru Nanak Schools.