Author
Jonathan Coy
Jonathan Coy is CEO and co-founder of HeadteacherChat®, a qualified coach, education consultant and former school leader with close to 30 years in education, including senior leadership and a Deputy CEO role in a multi-academy trust. He has served as a trustee and governor, and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
Published work by Jonathan Coy
Weekend emails aren’t urgent: setting parent communication boundaries (without guilt)
A practical guide to setting healthy parent communication boundaries, including how to manage weekend emails without guilt or mixed messages.
Section 19 and the Rise of AI Advocacy
A timely look at Section 19, emerging AI advocacy, and what school leaders need to consider when support, attendance and provision become contested.
Sense-making: What the early signals suggest about the new Ofsted ‘Needs Attention’ era
A sense-making piece on what early signals may mean for schools as Ofsted’s ‘Needs Attention’ language begins to shape leadership conversations.
Why repetition builds culture
Why repeating expectations isn’t a leadership failure, but how school culture re-anchors after disruption.
Navigating Difficult Parent Interactions: A School Leader's Guide to Safety and Support
Practical strategies to manage challenging parent interactions while prioritising staff wellbeing and safety.
Two things to keep in focus
Why repeating expectations isn’t a leadership failure, but how school culture re-anchors after disruption.
When Leaders Are Not Allowed to Be Ill
A reflective piece on the hidden cost of school leadership, when every absence, cover crisis and last minute problem is filtered to the headteacher. Drawing on a candid HeadteacherChat community post, it explores how leaders’ wellbeing is often overlooked, why this is a structural issue rather than a resilience gap, and what rehumanising leadership can look like in practice.
"I Am Not Enough": What HeadteacherChat Tells Us About Headship Right Now
A reflective look at what HeadteacherChat conversations reveal about the pressure, self-doubt and emotional weight many school leaders are carrying right now.
Complaint culture, AI and how school leaders are responding
Complaint Culture, AI, and How School Leaders Are Responding
Creating Space for Better Leadership: Why the School Leaders Community Matters
The comparison highlights the differences between the Facebook HeadteacherChat group and the dedicated School Leaders Community, showing how the purpose-built platform offers stronger strategic value through curated guidance, structured resources and a professional environment designed to support leadership development.
Christmas Gifts for Staff
How Headteachers Are Approaching Christmas Staff Gifts: Ideas from the HeadteacherChat Community
When Incivility Reaches the School Gates: What One Incident Reveals About Modern Headship
Incivility in Schools: Why Headteachers Need Stronger Boundaries and Support
Book Review: The Honest DSL by Hannah Carter
Book Review: The Honest DSL by Hannah Carter
Maybe a Little Controversial, But...
A reflective piece by Jonathan Coy on the growing tension between staff wellbeing, entitlement, and professionalism in schools — exploring how leadership, social media, and shifting attitudes are reshaping education and why balance is essential.
A Quiet Revolution: 6 Surprising Changes Coming to England's Schools
A comprehensive new report, the "Curriculum and Assessment Review," has laid out a blueprint for some of the most significant changes to England's education system in over a decade.
“I’m Done”: What October’s HeadteacherChat Taught Us About the State of School Leadership
This blog unpacks the powerful themes from October’s HeadteacherChat discussions — exposing rising parental aggression, leadership burnout, and the quiet resilience of headteachers supporting each other through one of education’s toughest seasons.
When Respect Disappears: Standing Tall in the Face of Abuse
An anonymous account of parental abuse prompts reflection on dignity, boundaries and the support school leaders need when respect breaks down.
“I Actually Think I’m Done Now” — A Cry from the Frontline of Headship
A candid reflection on the pressures of headship, why experienced leaders reach breaking point and what meaningful support should look like.
Are We Losing the Balance? A Headteacher’s Perspective on the Changing Culture of Teaching
A candid look at the balance between teacher wellbeing and professionalism — and what school leaders can do to restore respect in the profession.
Leadership and Governance in Ofsted’s Renewed Framework: What School Leaders Need to Know
Ofsted’s renewed 2025 inspection framework places leadership, governance, inclusion, and wellbeing at its centre. It replaces single-word judgements with a fairer, evidence-based report card system that values transparency, empathy, and inclusion. This article explains what leaders need to know to prepare effectively.
Thoughts on the Final Ofsted Toolkit - More Than Just a Tweak
Final Ofsted Toolkit 2025 - More Than Just a Tweak
Please Tell Me I Made the Right Decision: Setting Boundaries to Protect Staff Wellbeing
Please Tell Me I Made the Right Decision: Why Setting Boundaries Protects Teacher Wellbeing | HeadteacherChat
The Most Popular Books for School Leaders: Autumn 2025
Discover the top books every school leader should read in Autumn 2025. Our curated leadership reading guide features essential titles to enhance your educational leadership skills and drive school success.
Top HeadteacherChat Blogs You Should Read
Discover the top headteacher blogs of 2025 that every school leader should follow. Get expert insights, leadership tips, and educational strategies from experienced headteachers to enhance your school management skills.
The Weight of Leadership: A Reflection on Headship Challenges
This piece explores the emotional toll, imposter syndrome, and isolation many headteachers face, often silently. Based on real voices from the HeadteacherChat community, it highlights the importance of vulnerability, peer support, and self-compassion in leadership.
X/Twitter Space: The Key to Impactful Marking and Reduced Workload
TeacherFastFeedback: The Key to Impactful Marking and Reduced Workload
Ofsted Education Inspection Reforms: 5 Mins Briefing
Ofsted Education Inspection Reforms: Briefing Document
SEF & SIP: Stick with the Familiar or Embrace the New? A Headteacher Community Perspective
As school leaders gear up for the new academic year, one question is sparking lively debate: Should we stick with our current SEF (Self-Evaluation Form) and SIP (School Improvement Plan) formats, or adapt now to the…
SEF & SIP: Stick with the Familiar or Embrace the New? A Practical Guide for School Leaders
As the new academic year approaches, many headteachers are asking the same question: Should we stick with our current SEF (Self-Evaluation Form) and SIP (School Improvement Plan) formats, or adapt now to the potential…
Why Are So Many Headteachers Thinking About Resigning? A Community Perspective
In recent months, a worrying trend has been rippling through the education sector: an increasing number of headteachers are contemplating resignation.
Why Are So Many Headteachers Thinking About Resigning? A Policy and Practice Perspective
Recent conversations in school leadership networks have highlighted a stark reality: more headteachers than ever are considering resignation.
Are you searching for healthy lunch ideas that require minimal effort, time and thought?
Ideas for a healthy lunch
How Can Headteachers Really Switch Off?
How Can Headteachers Really Switch Off? Lessons from the Frontline
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Why School Leaders Must Prioritise Their Own Wellbeing
Why School Leaders Must Prioritize Their Own Wellbeing | HeadteacherChat
You’re Not Alone: Why Our Community for School Leaders Matters More Than Ever
Join a supportive, insight-driven community built for headteachers and school leaders. Find real answers, shared experiences, and leadership you don’t have to do alone.
What One Headteacher’s Honesty Teaches Us About Leadership, Data & Hope
A reflective piece on what one headteacher’s honesty can teach us about leading with integrity, using data wisely and holding on to hope.
KCSIE July 2025: Key Changes You Need to Know
KCSIE 2025: Essential Safeguarding Updates for Schools and Colleges
Support Staff, School Trips, and the Price of Goodwill
There’s a particular kind of quiet that falls over a school trip lunch. You know the one: the children are scoffing soggy sandwiches under a tree, one is asking if crisps are a vegetable, and a teaching assistant (TA) is…
The Commute Conversation: What Headteachers Told Us About Their Journey to Work
The Commute Conversation: Insights from Headteachers on Travel Time and Wellbeing
Who Looks After the Headteacher?
Who Supports the Headteacher? A Call for Compassion and Community in School Leadership
How Many Years Is “Enough”? Reflections on the Journey to Headship
How Many Years to Become a Headteacher? Insights & Advice
Reimagining Staff Wellbeing - A Leadership Approach to Building Community
In a recent HeadteacherChat post, one school leader shared that they had run a staff version of The Traitors, the popular television programme, adapted as a light-hearted team game for staff. The result?
SATs Week 2026: Key Questions Headteachers Are Asking – A Summary from the Community
A community-informed summary of the key SATs Week questions headteachers are asking, with practical reflections for planning, communication and support.
Mini Blog: Mastering Time Management as a Headteacher – New Resource Now Available
A quick introduction to HeadteacherChat’s time management resource, designed to help headteachers protect priorities and reduce day-to-day overwhelm.
WhatsApp in Schools: Helpful Shortcut or GDPR Headache?
WhatsApp in Schools: Communication Tool or Compliance Risk? | HeadteacherChat
NEW BLOG: The ChatGPT School Leader Doll – A Light-Hearted Spin on School Leadership
A light-hearted take on school leadership through the idea of a ChatGPT school leader doll, capturing the humour and reality of the role.
Balancing the Impossible? Reflections from the School Office and the Kitchen Table
An honest reflection on the challenges and realities of leading a school while raising children as a single or co parent. Written for headteachers by a fellow leader who understands the juggle.
Martyn's Law - What you need to know
Martyn’s Law is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Find out how it will affect schools and what leadership teams need to do to prepare for compliance and protect their communities.
Understanding Incels: A Safeguarding Briefing for School Leaders
At HeadteacherChat, we aim to support school leaders in navigating the increasingly complex safeguarding landscape, particularly where online culture and digital trends intersect with pupil wellbeing.
Understanding Directed Time, Trapped Time, and the Role of Union Calculators
This blog provides practical guidance on managing directed time in schools, clarifying misconceptions around trapped time, breaks, and statutory limits. It explores the use of union calculators, outlines what qualifies as directed time, and offers actionable recommendations to ensure transparency, compliance, and fair workload distribution.
Education at a Crossroads – Urgent Calls for Action on SEND, Funding, Teacher Wellbeing and Ofsted
Headteachers share urgent concerns from #SaturdayEduChat about the need for increased SEND and school funding, as well as better support for teacher well-being. Join the conversation on HeadteacherChat!
Stepping into Headship - The First Few Weeks
Stepping into Headship: The Golden Rule for Your First Weeks | HeadteacherChat
The Dress Code Debate - Tattoos and Hair Dye in Schools
A balanced look at dress codes, tattoos and hair dye in schools, exploring professionalism, consistency and the culture leaders want to create.
Comprehensive Analysis of Recent Ofsted Reports 11/03/2025
Comprehensive Analysis of Recent Ofsted Reports
Managing Staff Leave Requests as a Headteacher - A Strategic Approach
Strategically managing staff leave requests for operational continuity.
The Power of Presence: Headteachers on the School Gate
A reminder of the leadership value of being visible on the school gate, building relationships and noticing the small things that shape school culture.
Top Education Podcasts You Should Be Listening To Right Now
Podcasts for School Leaders | HeadteacherChat
Can a Parent Request the Attendance Record of Their Child’s Teachers?
Can Parents Request Teacher Attendance Records? Legal and Data Protection Explained
How football inspires children to look after their wellbeing and develop important life skills
Nick joins Lucy and Jonathan to discuss how Premier League Primary Stars inspires children through football, supporting wellbeing, education, and life skills.
The New Ofsted Report Cards: Reform or Rebranding?
Discover how Ofsted’s new Report Card system aims to replace single-word school ratings with a more detailed evaluation. But does this reform truly reduce stress and improve fairness, or is it just a rebranded version of the same high-stakes inspections? Explore the key changes, sector reactions, and what school leaders need to do to prepare. #Ofsted #SchoolLeadership
Navigating the Curriculum Landscape: What Schools Need to Know About The New OFSTED Inspection Toolkit
The curriculum landscape is continually evolving, with a stronger emphasis on curriculum depth, expert leadership, and inclusion.
What Do You Think of the New Ofsted Report Cards?
The recent changes to Ofsted’s school inspection framework, introducing a new "report card" system, have sparked intense debate among educators.
Who Pays for the Tea and Coffee? The Debate Over Staff Refreshments in Schools
A thoughtful look at the staff refreshments debate, including fairness, morale and the small decisions that can affect school culture.
Stress Less, Achieve More: Find Your Perfect HeadteacherChat Planner
A helpful guide to choosing the right HeadteacherChat planner so school leaders can reduce stress, stay organised and focus on what matters most.
HeadteacherChat's Third Day at BETT 2025: Connections, Conversations, and Community
Day three of BETT 2025 was a whirlwind of energy, insight, and collaboration, cementing its place as an unmissable event for school leaders and educators alike.
Day 1 at the BETT Show
Day 1 at the BETT Show 2024: Key Highlights, AI, and EdTech Innovations
Decoding Website Provider Alerts: Are Schools Overreacting to Ofsted Download Activity?
Ofsted Website Visit Panic: A False Alarm?
Teacher Wellbeing in Crisis - Key Findings from Education Support
Teacher wellbeing in crisis: key findings and solutions from Education Support UK
A Guide to Bett 2025: Must-See Exhibitors, Events, and Essentials
Join us at Bett 2025, the world’s largest education technology event, from 22nd–25th January at ExCeL London.
Navigating the Balance Between Staff Wellbeing and Professional Boundaries
Navigating Staff Wellbeing: Addressing Entitlement and Building a Culture of Mutual Respect in Schools
50 Pieces of Advice for a New Headteacher
A practical guide offering 50 essential pieces of advice for new school leaders by Jonathan Coy, with insights from experienced educators. Designed to inspire, guide, and support headteachers in their leadership journey.
SLT Christmas Gifts: Books That Inspire (Or Backfire!)
Struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift for your SLT? 🤔 Headteachers weigh in on the hot debate of leadership books as gifts! 🎁 From inspiring reads to potential pitfalls, discover top recommendations and navigate the dos and don'ts of this festive dilemma. 🎄 #leadership #SLT #christmasgifts #headteacherchat
Supporting School Leaders Through Challenging Feedback
Being a headteacher is a role that demands resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of pupils and staff alike.
Key Themes from Ofsted Reports and Areas for Growth
A useful overview of recurring themes in Ofsted reports, highlighting common strengths, areas for growth and questions school leaders can use for self-evaluation.
Ofsted’s Proposed 5-Point Grading System: Reform or Rebranding?
Ofsted's proposed 5-point grading scale has sparked heated debate amongst school leaders. Is this a genuine step forward for school improvement or just a rebranding exercise? Join the #SaturdayEduChat conversation and share your thoughts!
Avoid Burnout
Practical wellbeing ideas for school leaders, with simple ways to notice pressure, protect energy and reduce the risk of burnout.
Understanding AI and the risks it could bring to your school
Join us on EmpowerEd as we discuss the impact of AI on schools with experts Professor Rose Luckin and Dina Foster from Educate Ventures. Watch now to learn how to harness AI's power for a brighter future in education.
Teaching in the 1990s: A Look Back at an Era of Creativity, Change, and Camaraderie
Teaching in the 1990s - Memories and Milestones
Staff Well-being During the Festive Season - Balancing Generosity and Responsibility
This blog post explores the complex issue of staff well-being during the festive season, specifically focusing on the debate around offering additional time off. It examines the arguments for and against providing extra leave, considering financial constraints, potential precedent, and the impact on pupil learning. The post also highlights alternative ways to support staff well-being and offers practical solutions for school leaders to navigate this challenging balance.
Navigating Underperformance: A Constructive Approach for School Leaders
Learn how to address teacher underperformance with empathy and support. This guide provides practical questions and strategies for school leaders to foster growth and improvement.
Embracing the Calm: When a New Headship Feels Surprisingly Smooth
The New Headteacher's Unexpected Calm - A Blessing or a Curse?
The Education Endowment Foundation's Pupil Premium Resources
Updated Pupil Premium Resources from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF): Empowering Schools for Greater Impact
Attracting and Retaining Talented Teachers - Key Strategies for School Leaders
Effective Teacher Recruitment & Retention Strategies | Key Insights for School Leaders
Ofsted's School Inspection Handbook. What you need to know about the September 2024 updates.
A summary of all the changes in the latest School Inspection Handbook, published by Ofsted 16/09/24
Ofsted’s Big Shake-Up - What School Leaders Need to Know
Ofsted has introduced several significant changes following its "Big Listen" consultation, aimed at improving the inspection process and reducing the associated pressures on schools.
Ofsted's Big Listen Response: A New Era of Accountability and Support
Ofsted's Big Listen Response marks a turning point with sweeping reforms prioritising support for disadvantaged children, transparency, a less punitive approach, and a move beyond single-word grades. These changes aim to create a more inclusive and supportive inspection regime, ensuring every child's potential is nurtured.
Best Advice for Teachers and Headteachers - Insights from the Community
A community question, answered by our community
Summary of DfE ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’, August 2024
This is an article about improving school attendance in England. It discusses the roles and responsibilities of schools, parents and carers, and local authorities. The document also details legal interventions available to schools and local authorities. It was last updated on August 19, 2024.
Why should I have a coach? Is it actually helpful?
Tune into this valuable twitter Spaces session where we discuss why you should consider having coaching sessions and what you can gain from it.
Managing Serious Underperformance in Schools - Key Takeaways from the Department for Education’s Guidance
New DfE guidance on teacher capability procedures: key actions for school leaders to understand and implement the updated framework for addressing teacher underperformance.
Managing Teacher and Leadership Pay - What School Leaders Need to Know
New DfE guidance on teacher pay for 2024: Learn about changes to performance-related pay, UPR applications, and headteacher salaries. Get tips on creating fair and transparent pay policies for your school.
Updated Teacher Appraisal Guidance: A More Supportive and Developmental Approach
This blog post explores the new 2024 UK teacher appraisal guidance, highlighting its focus on a supportive and developmental approach to professional growth. It discusses the key changes, implications for teachers and school leaders, and the positive impact on the education landscape.
Practical Steps for a New Headteacher's September Preparation
Starting a new headship? Get practical advice from experienced headteachers on HeadteacherChat for a smooth transition and successful start to the school year. Prioritise rest, plan strategically, connect with your team, and lead with confidence.
Four Words of Wisdom for School Leaders
If you've ever joined us on Twitter and our Facebook Group on a Saturday morning, you might have encountered the vibrant community of #SaturdayEduChat.
Dear Bridget Phillipson MP
HeadteacherChat, a community of 60,000 educators, shares key priorities for education with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, emphasising school funding, Ofsted reform, SEND support, teacher retention, and future-ready curricula.
A New Dawn for Ofsted – Inspections with a Human Touch
Discover how recent Ofsted inspections are shifting towards compassion, support, and collaboration, offering a brighter outlook for educators in the UK.