LeadingLearner

Schools That Work for Everyone (teachers not included) #GreenPaper

Another Secretary of State and another colour paper but the same problem; let’s think and talk about structures rather than teachers.  The glaring omission is the Green Paper never once makes proposals about the key part of the whole system; the teachers and support staff who make our schools work, who actually make them so good.  Continue reading →

Exclusive: My Debt to Comprehensive Schools

With thanks to the Daily Mail for featuring my exclusive story, I would like to explain why, having gone to a comprehensive school, all schools must now become “bog standard”.  The whole thrust of national educational policy now seems to be predicated on personal preferences and singular experiences.  It leaves many people in despair.

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Teaching Touchstones and Mantras. What’s Yours?

Very early on, in headship, I developed a series of three touchstones that proved useful when faced with complex decisions.  Was the decision I was taking legal and moral?  Would it keep the wolves away from the door (read Ofsted)? And would it, when implemented, be good enough for my children? Continue reading →