Jonathan Coy
Jonathan Coy is 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.
Most recently on .
Published work by Jonathan Coy
Articles
Using AI on your IDSR without letting it make things up
A new prompt turns primary IDSR data into a planning document, identifying strengths and risks to prepare for inspector questions.
Top Education Podcasts You Should Be Listening To Right Now
Explore a selection of podcasts covering pedagogy, leadership, and wellbeing, including discussions on cognitive science and inclusive cultures.
When parents turn to Facebook: where do school leaders stand?
School leaders face online parental criticism with limited legal remedies. Practical steps include documenting evidence and setting clear expectations.
Top HeadteacherChat Blogs You Should Read
Selected blogs and newsletters for school leaders covering Ofsted reforms, KCSIE updates, SENCO support, adaptive teaching and staff workload.
Weekend emails aren’t urgent: setting parent communication boundaries (without guilt)
School leaders suggest avoiding weekend emails unless there is an imminent safeguarding risk, as replying sets unrealistic expectations for availability.
Section 19 and the Rise of AI Advocacy
Headteachers report more formal parental requests for Section 19 alternative provision, possibly drafted using AI. The legal duty sits with the LA.
Sense-making: What the early signals suggest about the new Ofsted ‘Needs Attention’ era
School leaders report a higher threshold for secure practice and increased anxiety regarding the emerging Ofsted 'Needs Attention' outcomes.
Why repetition builds culture
School culture settles through repetition. Restating expectations after breaks or disruptions helps re-anchor routines and reduces ambiguity.
When Leaders Are Not Allowed to Be Ill
An anonymous community post highlights the emotional and cognitive load on headteachers who must absorb staff absence and personal needs.
"I Am Not Enough": What HeadteacherChat Tells Us About Headship Right Now
Headteachers report extreme workload, exhaustion, and self-criticism, alongside challenges with SEND, parental hostility, and complex HR decisions.
Complaint culture, AI and how school leaders are responding
School leaders are managing increasing volumes of formal complaints and AI-assisted correspondence by mapping hotspots and using AI for drafting.
The Facebook Group and the School Leaders Community: Which to Use for What
Use the Facebook group for fast, practical peer advice and anonymous questions, or the School Leaders Community for resources and sensitive discussions.
Christmas Gifts for Staff
School leaders share ideas for staff Christmas gifts, from handwritten cards and shared food to communal staffroom treats and low-cost tokens.
When Incivility Reaches the School Gates: What One Incident Reveals About Modern Headship
A headteacher's calm response to a parent's verbal abuse highlights the rising trend of incivility and the emotional labour required of leaders.
Maybe a Little Controversial, But...
One headteacher argues that prioritising comfort over commitment risks eroding professional standards and devaluing the teaching vocation.
A Quiet Revolution: 6 Surprising Changes Coming to England's Schools
The Curriculum and Assessment Review recommends removing the EBacc as a headline measure, reducing GCSE exam time and introducing V Levels.
“I’m Done”: What October’s HeadteacherChat Taught Us About the State of School Leadership
Headteachers in the HeadteacherChat community report declining health and burnout due to parental aggression and feeling unsupported by authorities.
When Respect Disappears: Standing Tall in the Face of Abuse
A headteacher's experience of verbal abuse after enforcing school procedures highlights a wider pattern of hostility towards school leaders.
“I Actually Think I’m Done Now” — A Cry from the Frontline of Headship
An anonymous post on HeadteacherChat describes the unsustainable nature of headship, highlighting isolation and the lack of support for leaders.
Are We Losing the Balance? A Headteacher’s Perspective on the Changing Culture of Teaching
A headteacher shares concerns about shifting attitudes toward professional responsibility and the impact of social media on teaching standards.
Leadership and Governance in Ofsted’s Renewed Framework: What School Leaders Need to Know
Ofsted's renewed framework for England introduces a five-point evaluation scale, report cards, and a discrete met/not met judgement for safeguarding.
Thoughts on the Final Ofsted Toolkit - More Than Just a Tweak
Ofsted's September 2025 school inspection toolkit introduces a shift from exemplary to exceptional practice and increases focus on parental complaints.
Please Tell Me I Made the Right Decision: Setting Boundaries to Protect Staff Wellbeing
A headteacher switched off direct ClassDojo messaging to protect staff wellbeing, sparking parental backlash but receiving support from other leaders.
The Most Popular Books for School Leaders: Autumn 2025
Nine recent community reviews cover books on early years behaviour, wellbeing, safeguarding, school improvement and subject leadership.
The Weight of Leadership: A Reflection on Headship Challenges
A new headteacher's post on feeling out of their depth highlights the isolation, imposter syndrome, and exhaustion often faced in school leadership.
Ofsted Education Inspection Reforms: 5 Mins Briefing
Ofsted reforms introduce a five-point grading scale, new report cards, and a dedicated inclusion judgement for vulnerable learners from late 2025.
SEF & SIP: Stick with the Familiar or Embrace the New? A Headteacher Community Perspective
School leaders debate whether to adapt SEF and SIP formats to potential new Ofsted headings or wait for the published framework to avoid unnecessary work.
Why Are So Many Headteachers Thinking About Resigning? A Community Perspective
Headteachers report increasing thoughts of resignation due to unsustainable workloads, Ofsted pressures, staffing shortages, and emotional exhaustion.
Why Are So Many Headteachers Thinking About Resigning? A Policy and Practice Perspective
DfE data and NAHT surveys show rising headteacher turnover, driven by workload, inspection pressures, and recruitment challenges in England.
Are you searching for healthy lunch ideas that require minimal effort, time and thought?
Use a five-ingredient formula of protein, vegetables, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and flavour boosters to prepare quick, nutritious school lunches.
How Can Headteachers Really Switch Off?
Headteachers share strategies to manage holiday workloads, from setting communication boundaries to implementing SLT rotas for safeguarding cover.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Why School Leaders Must Prioritise Their Own Wellbeing
School leaders face burnout risks. Prioritising wellbeing helps decision-making and sets an example for staff to follow.
You’re Not Alone: Why Our Community for School Leaders Matters More Than Ever
Headteachers, deputies and school business leaders can access a community for peer support, policy references and advice on managing leadership challenges.
What One Headteacher’s Honesty Teaches Us About Leadership, Data & Hope
A first-year headteacher's honest post about disappointing SATs results highlights the need for data analysis and contextualising outcomes.
KCSIE July 2025: Key Changes You Need to Know
The July 2025 draft of KCSIE includes updates to online safety, RSHE, and SEND terminology, alongside new guidance on generative AI and cybersecurity.
Support Staff, School Trips, and the Price of Goodwill
A dispute over whether teaching assistants should be paid for supervising school trips highlights issues with unpaid labour and contractual clarity.
The Commute Conversation: What Headteachers Told Us About Their Journey to Work
Over 50 school leaders shared their commute distances and times, revealing impacts on wellbeing, recruitment and work-life balance.
Who Looks After the Headteacher?
A headteacher's account of feeling unsupported highlights the emotional labour of leadership and the need for reciprocal care from governors and teams.
How Many Years Is “Enough”? Reflections on the Journey to Headship
HeadteacherChat contributors share that years of service do not determine readiness for headship; instead, breadth of experience and specific roles matter.
Reimagining Staff Wellbeing - A Leadership Approach to Building Community
School leaders share creative, low-cost wellbeing ideas, such as adapted games and scavenger hunts, to improve staff morale and cohesion.
Mini Blog: Mastering Time Management as a Headteacher – New Resource Now Available
Jonathan Coy's workbook for primary headteachers offers tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and time-blocking to help balance strategic and operational tasks.
WhatsApp in Schools: Helpful Shortcut or GDPR Headache?
School leaders debate using WhatsApp for quick updates, weighing its speed against GDPR, safeguarding, and staff wellbeing concerns.
NEW BLOG: The ChatGPT School Leader Doll – A Light-Hearted Spin on School Leadership
Use ChatGPT's image generator to create satirical, doll-style figures of school leaders, complete with accessories like coffee, clipboards and folders.
Balancing the Impossible? Reflections from the School Office and the Kitchen Table
Leading a school while parenting, particularly when solo or co-parenting, presents significant challenges that require community and boundaries.
Martyn's Law - What you need to know
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is not yet in force, but schools with 200 or more people fall into the standard tier of duty.
Understanding Incels: A Safeguarding Briefing for School Leaders
The incel subculture involves misogynistic ideologies and potential radicalisation. Leaders should monitor language to support mental health and Prevent.
Understanding Directed Time, Trapped Time, and the Role of Union Calculators
England teachers on STPCD terms may be directed to work up to 1,265 hours per year. Calculations must include trapped time and duty-bound breaks.
Education at a Crossroads – Urgent Calls for Action on SEND, Funding, Teacher Wellbeing and Ofsted
School leaders call for reform regarding SEND funding, general school budgets, teacher wellbeing and the punitive nature of Ofsted inspections.
Stepping into Headship - The First Few Weeks
New headteachers should prioritise observing school culture, routines and people through visibility and active listening before making immediate changes.
The Dress Code Debate - Tattoos and Hair Dye in Schools
HeadteacherChat Community members report a shift towards accepting staff tattoos and colourful hair to promote inclusivity and challenge stereotypes.
Comprehensive Analysis of Recent Ofsted Reports 11/03/2025
Analysis of early 2025 primary school inspections shows strengths in phonics and SEND provision, but identifies needs in writing and maths fluency.
Managing Staff Leave Requests as a Headteacher - A Strategic Approach
Manage staff leave requests by establishing clear policies, assessing operational impact, and maintaining fairness to balance well-being and school needs.
The Power of Presence: Headteachers on the School Gate
Headteachers report that being visible at the school gate builds community, helps resolve small concerns early and sets a positive daily tone.
Can a Parent Request the Attendance Record of Their Child’s Teachers?
Schools should refuse parental requests for individual teacher attendance records under section 40 of FOIA and UK GDPR to protect personal data.
The New Ofsted Report Cards: Reform or Rebranding?
Ofsted's move to report cards replaces single-word grades with a five-point scale, though leaders worry about increased workload and high stakes.
Navigating the Curriculum Landscape: What Schools Need to Know About The New Ofsted Inspection Toolkit
Ofsted's inspection toolkit emphasises curriculum depth, subject leadership, and inclusion, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and SEND support.
What Do You Think of the New Ofsted Report Cards?
Ofsted's new report card system replaces single-word judgements with multiple strands, yet many leaders view it as a superficial rebrand.
Who Pays for the Tea and Coffee? The Debate Over Staff Refreshments in Schools
Schools manage staff refreshments through well-being budgets, tea kitties, or staff providing their own, depending on local authority rules and funds.
Stress Less, Achieve More: Find Your Perfect HeadteacherChat Planner
HeadteacherChat planners offer role-specific layouts for headteachers, deputies, SENCOs and business managers to manage strategy, budgets and well-being.
HeadteacherChat's Third Day at BETT 2025: Connections, Conversations, and Community
School leaders at BETT 2025 discussed leadership challenges, effective CPD using EEF implementation guidance, and the importance of staff wellbeing.
Day 1 at the BETT Show
Bridget Phillipson announced plans for a digital revolution in schools, using AI to reduce teacher workload and technology to support SEND pupils.
Decoding Website Provider Alerts: Are Schools Overreacting to Ofsted Download Activity?
Website alerts flagging suspicious policy downloads as Ofsted may not be reliable, as inspectors often use VPNs and already access necessary documents.
Teacher Wellbeing in Crisis - Key Findings from Education Support
A Guide to Bett 2025: Must-See Exhibitors, Events, and Essentials
Bett 2025 at ExCeL London features over 600 exhibitors, keynotes on AI and safeguarding, and workshops for exploring education technology.
Navigating the Balance Between Staff Wellbeing and Professional Boundaries
School leaders may struggle to balance staff wellbeing with professional boundaries when efforts feel unrecognised due to staff exhaustion.
44 Pieces of Advice for a New Headteacher
New headteachers should prioritise building relationships, listening to staff, maintaining visibility, and leading with humility and empathy.
SLT Christmas Gifts: Books That Inspire (Or Backfire!)
School leaders debate giving leadership books as Christmas gifts, weighing titles on culture and communication against the risk of adding work pressure.
Supporting School Leaders Through Challenging Feedback
A headteacher's account of receiving personal, hurtful comments in an anonymous Trust survey highlights the need for better feedback safeguards.
Key Themes from Ofsted Reports and Areas for Growth
Analysis of 46 Ofsted reports shows schools excel in reading and SEND provision, but need to refine assessment and address persistent absenteeism.
Ofsted’s Proposed 5-Point Grading System: Reform or Rebranding?
Ofsted's proposed five-point grading scale has drawn mixed reactions, with concerns over potential bureaucracy and the fairness of grading attendance.
Teaching in the 1990s: A Look Back at an Era of Creativity, Change, and Camaraderie
Teachers reflect on 1990s schooling, from the introduction of the National Curriculum and Ofsted to minimal classroom technology and staffroom culture.
Staff Well-being During the Festive Season - Balancing Generosity and Responsibility
School leaders debate the merits of offering staff time off during the festive season, weighing morale against budget, precedent and pupil learning.
Navigating Underperformance: A Constructive Approach for School Leaders
Address teacher underperformance by identifying root causes like workload or subject knowledge. Use informal support or formal review processes.
Embracing the Calm: When a New Headship Feels Surprisingly Smooth
A new headteacher reports an unexpectedly calm start in a well-established school. Community leaders advise using this time to observe and plan ahead.
The Education Endowment Foundation's Pupil Premium Resources
The EEF has updated its Pupil Premium resources, providing a guide to strategy components and new information on programmes with proven impact.
Attracting and Retaining Talented Teachers - Key Strategies for School Leaders
John Jerrim's research identifies how socioeconomic background, EAL status, and university prestige influence teacher recruitment and retention.
Ofsted's School Inspection Handbook. What you need to know about the September 2024 updates.
September 2024 updates remove overall effectiveness grades and judgement logos, while refining monitoring criteria and Single Central Record clarity.
Ofsted’s Big Shake-Up - What School Leaders Need to Know
Ofsted is phasing out effectiveness judgements for report cards, introducing national hubs and piloting grace periods for certain safeguarding issues.
Ofsted's Big Listen Response: A New Era of Accountability and Support
Ofsted is overhauling inspections to focus on disadvantage, build trust, and move away from single-word grades towards informative report cards.
Best Advice for Teachers and Headteachers - Insights from the Community
Community members share advice on building school relationships, maintaining work-life balance, and using the poker principle in leadership.
Managing Serious Underperformance in Schools - Key Takeaways from the Department for Education’s Guidance
New DfE guidance advises schools to use informal support like coaching and mentoring before triggering formal teacher capability procedures.
Managing Teacher and Leadership Pay - What School Leaders Need to Know
DfE guidance from July 2024 removes the requirement for mandatory performance-related pay, though schools may choose to retain it.
Updated Teacher Appraisal Guidance: A More Supportive and Developmental Approach
DfE guidance for 2024/25 shifts teacher appraisal towards development and well-being, prioritising professional growth over performance-based assessment.
Practical Steps for a New Headteacher's September Preparation
Experienced leaders advise new headteachers to prioritise rest, listen to staff and pupils, and build relationships before implementing major changes.
Four Words of Wisdom for School Leaders
The SaturdayEduChat community shared four-word leadership advice, covering wellbeing, compassion, staff relationships and maintaining perspective.
Dear Bridget Phillipson MP
Jonathan Coy writes to the Education Secretary outlining HeadteacherChat community priorities: school funding, Ofsted reform, SEND, and teacher retention.
A New Dawn for Ofsted – Inspections with a Human Touch
School leaders report more compassionate Ofsted inspections, with some noting increased inspector focus on staff wellbeing alongside rigorous scrutiny.
HeadteacherChat #SaturdayEduChat: A Call for Educational Change
School leaders identify funding shortages, unsustainable workloads, and a need for greater autonomy as key areas requiring systemic reform.
A Head’s Checklist for New Headteachers: Your Essential Guide
New headteachers should review MIS access, safeguarding policies, curriculum plans, and staff structures to establish operational control.
Finding a Healthy Work-Life Balance as a Headteacher
HeadteacherChat contributors report working hours ranging from 8 to over 12 daily, influenced by school context, staff shortages, and personal boundaries.
Podcasts
X/Twitter Space: The Key to Impactful Marking and Reduced Workload
Steve discusses using the TeacherFastFeedback device to provide timely, personalised comments while exploring EEF research on effective feedback.
How football inspires children to look after their wellbeing and develop important life skills
Nick Perchard discusses the Premier League Primary Stars programme and how football resources can support children's mental health and life skills.
Avoid Burnout
Helen Woodward discusses managing challenging situations and avoiding burnout, including breathing techniques and the role of coaching for leaders.
Understanding AI and the risks it could bring to your school
Professor Rose Luckin and Dina Foster discuss AI benefits, such as workload reduction, alongside risks regarding bias, inaccuracy and safeguarding.
Why should I have a coach? Is it actually helpful?
Leadership coach Helen Woodward explains how coaching helps school leaders improve decision-making, resourcefulness, and team building.
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