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.
On HeadteacherChat: 90 articles, 5 podcasts and 1 book, most recently on .
Published work by Jonathan Coy
Articles
Top Education Podcasts You Should Be Listening To Right Now
Explore education podcasts covering pedagogy, leadership and wellbeing, including discussions on cognitive science, inclusive culture and staff retention.
When parents turn to Facebook: where do school leaders stand?
School leaders face online parental criticism with limited legal remedies. Practical steps include capturing evidence and setting clear communication policies.
Top HeadteacherChat Blogs You Should Read
Selected HeadteacherChat blogs and newsletters covering Ofsted reforms, KCSIE updates, SENCO support, adaptive teaching, and deputy headteacher interviews.
Weekend emails aren’t urgent: setting parent communication boundaries (without guilt)
Most school leaders advise against replying to weekend emails unless there is an imminent safeguarding risk. Set boundaries using clear out-of-office messages.
Section 19 and the Rise of AI Advocacy
The duty to arrange suitable education under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 sits with the local authority, not with individual schools.
Sense-making: What the early signals suggest about the new Ofsted ‘Needs Attention’ era
School leaders report a perceived higher threshold for secure practice and increased anxiety regarding the new Ofsted 'Needs Attention' outcomes.
Why repetition builds culture
School culture settles through repetition. Restating expectations after breaks or disruptions helps routines re-land and builds predictability and safety.
When Leaders Are Not Allowed to Be Ill
An anonymous community post highlights how school leaders often absorb staff absence and personal pressures, making leadership sustainability difficult.
"I Am Not Enough": What HeadteacherChat Tells Us About Headship Right Now
Headteachers in England report unsustainable workloads, emotional exhaustion, and complex tensions regarding SEND, safety, and parental conduct.
Complaint culture, AI and how school leaders are responding
School leaders are managing increased complaint volumes and AI-generated letters by mapping hotspots, using standard responses and updating codes of conduct.
Creating Space for Better Leadership: Why the School Leaders Community Matters
The School Leaders Community offers curated guidance and strategic resources for senior leaders, differing from the operational focus of Facebook groups.
Christmas Gifts for Staff
School leaders share ideas for staff Christmas gifts, from handwritten cards and food-based treats to collective staffroom gifts and shared festive lunches.
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 of school leaders.
Maybe a Little Controversial, But...
A headteacher argues that excessive focus on comfort over commitment risks eroding professional standards and that leadership must balance support with rigour.
A Quiet Revolution: 6 Surprising Changes Coming to England's Schools
The Curriculum and Assessment Review recommends removing the EBacc as a headline measure, cutting GCSE exam time by 10% and creating new V Levels.
“I’m Done”: What October’s HeadteacherChat Taught Us About the State of School Leadership
Headteachers in the HeadteacherChat community reported declining health and burnout due to parental aggression and a lack of support from local authorities.
When Respect Disappears: Standing Tall in the Face of Abuse
A headteacher's experience of verbal abuse from a parent highlights the erosion of respect for school leaders and the need for clear professional boundaries.
“I Actually Think I’m Done Now” — A Cry from the Frontline of Headship
An anonymous post on HeadteacherChat describes headship as unsustainable, highlighting isolation, heavy workloads and the emotional toll on school leaders.
Are We Losing the Balance? A Headteacher’s Perspective on the Changing Culture of Teaching
A headteacher reports tension between professional expectations and staff attitudes, questioning if social media is undermining a sense of duty in teaching.
Leadership and Governance in Ofsted’s Renewed Framework: What School Leaders Need to Know
Ofsted's new framework for state-funded schools in England introduces a five-point evaluation scale and a report card model to replace single-word grades.
Thoughts on the Final Ofsted Toolkit - More Than Just a Tweak
Ofsted's final inspection toolkit shifts language from 'exemplary' to 'exceptional', leading leaders to fear higher, less attainable standards.
Please Tell Me I Made the Right Decision: Setting Boundaries to Protect Staff Wellbeing
A headteacher's decision to route parent messages through the office to protect staff from late-night app messages has sparked debate and support.
The Most Popular Books for School Leaders: Autumn 2025
Nine recent book reviews for school leaders cover early years behaviour, wellbeing, safeguarding, school improvement and subject leadership.
The Weight of Leadership: A Reflection on Headship Challenges
Headship brings immense pressure, including imposter syndrome and exhaustion. Community members suggest coaching, peer networks and delegation to help.
Ofsted Education Inspection Reforms: 5 Mins Briefing
Ofsted reforms introduce a five-point grading scale including an exceptional grade, new report cards, and a dedicated inclusion judgement for learners.
SEF & SIP: Stick with the Familiar or Embrace the New? A Headteacher Community Perspective
School leaders debate whether to keep existing SEF and SIP formats or adapt to potential new Ofsted headings before the toolkit is published.
Why Are So Many Headteachers Thinking About Resigning? A Community Perspective
Headteachers report unsustainable workloads, accountability pressures and isolation as primary reasons for contemplating resignation, per community discussion.
Why Are So Many Headteachers Thinking About Resigning? A Policy and Practice Perspective
DfE data and NAHT surveys show rising headteacher turnover. Workload, inspection pressures and recruitment challenges drive resignation risk.
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 for quick school day lunches.
How Can Headteachers Really Switch Off?
Headteachers discuss strategies for switching off during holidays, including setting communication boundaries, using cover rotas, and managing safeguarding.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Why School Leaders Must Prioritise Their Own Wellbeing
School leaders face burnout risks that affect decision-making. Modelling healthy boundaries, such as leaving on time, can encourage staff to do the same.
You’re Not Alone: Why Our Community for School Leaders Matters More Than Ever
School leadership can be isolating. This community offers headteachers and deputies a space to share insights on burnout and staff dynamics.
What One Headteacher’s Honesty Teaches Us About Leadership, Data & Hope
A first-year headteacher's honest post about low SATs results prompted advice for leaders on analysing cohort context and separating identity from data.
KCSIE July 2025: Key Changes You Need to Know
Support Staff, School Trips, and the Price of Goodwill
A debate over whether teaching assistants should be paid to supervise school trips highlights tensions between school culture and employment law.
The Commute Conversation: What Headteachers Told Us About Their Journey to Work
Over 50 school leaders shared their commute distances and times, ranging from short walks to 150-mile journeys that require staying overnight during the week.
Who Looks After the Headteacher?
Headteachers report feeling unsupported and lonely despite providing staff wellbeing. Peers highlight a need for reciprocal care in leadership.
How Many Years Is “Enough”? Reflections on the Journey to Headship
HeadteacherChat community reflections show there is no set number of years required for headship. Experience and specific roles matter more.
Reimagining Staff Wellbeing - A Leadership Approach to Building Community
School leaders share creative, low-cost ways to build staff cohesion and morale, from adapted television games to scavenger hunts and social events.
Mini Blog: Mastering Time Management as a Headteacher – New Resource Now Available
Jonathan Coy’s workbook for primary headteachers uses time-blocking and the Eisenhower Matrix to help balance strategic leadership with operational tasks.
WhatsApp in Schools: Helpful Shortcut or GDPR Headache?
School leaders debate using WhatsApp for quick updates. While useful for emergencies, concerns persist regarding GDPR, safeguarding, and staff wellbeing.
NEW BLOG: The ChatGPT School Leader Doll – A Light-Hearted Spin on School Leadership
Use ChatGPT image generation to create satirical, doll-style figures of school leaders, complete with accessories like coffee and clipboards.
Balancing the Impossible? Reflections from the School Office and the Kitchen Table
Leading a school while parenting, especially solo or co-parenting, presents immense pressure. Success requires community, boundaries, and honest connection.
Martyn's Law - What you need to know
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is not yet in force. Schools with 200 or more people are in the standard tier and must prepare procedures.
Understanding Incels: A Safeguarding Briefing for School Leaders
Incel subcultures present safeguarding risks through misogyny, mental health vulnerabilities and potential links to far-right radicalisation.
Understanding Directed Time, Trapped Time, and the Role of Union Calculators
Teachers on STPCD terms in England have a 1,265-hour statutory limit. Calculations must include trapped time and directed mid-session breaks.
Education at a Crossroads – Urgent Calls for Action on SEND, Funding, Teacher Wellbeing and Ofsted
HeadteacherChat community leaders call for reform regarding SEND funding, school budgets, teacher wellbeing and the nature of Ofsted inspections.
Stepping into Headship - The First Few Weeks
New headteachers should prioritise seeing the school by observing culture, being visible in corridors and playgrounds, and listening to staff and students.
The Dress Code Debate - Tattoos and Hair Dye in Schools
School leaders report a shift towards accepting staff tattoos and coloured hair, noting that personal appearance does not affect professionalism.
Comprehensive Analysis of Recent Ofsted Reports 11/03/2025
Early 2025 primary Ofsted reports show strengths in phonics and SEND provision, but highlight needs for curriculum sequencing and mathematical fluency.
Managing Staff Leave Requests as a Headteacher - A Strategic Approach
Manage term-time leave requests by assessing operational impact, maintaining fairness, and communicating clear policies that align with DfE guidance.
The Power of Presence: Headteachers on the School Gate
Headteachers find that being present at the school gate builds relationships, addresses small concerns early, and sets a positive daily tone.
Can a Parent Request the Attendance Record of Their Child’s Teachers?
Schools should not share individual teacher attendance records with parents. Such data is protected personal data under UK GDPR and FOI exemptions.
The New Ofsted Report Cards: Reform or Rebranding?
Ofsted's five-point grading scale replaces single-word judgements, but leaders fear increased workload and a lack of contextual consideration.
Navigating the Curriculum Landscape: What Schools Need to Know About The New Ofsted Inspection Toolkit
Ofsted's toolkit emphasises curriculum depth, expert subject leadership and inclusion. Schools must ensure curricula are ambitious, sequential and inclusive.
What Do You Think of the New Ofsted Report Cards?
Ofsted's new report card system replaces single-word judgements with multiple grading strands, but 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. Funding depends on local authority rules and budgets.
Stress Less, Achieve More: Find Your Perfect HeadteacherChat Planner
HeadteacherChat planners offer role-specific organisation for school leaders, including versions for headteachers, deputies, SBMs, SENCOs, and teachers.
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 impact of Martyn's Law.
Day 1 at the BETT Show
Bridget Phillipson announced plans for a digital revolution in schools, using AI to reduce workloads and assistive technology to support SEND pupils.
Decoding Website Provider Alerts: Are Schools Overreacting to Ofsted Download Activity?
Website alerts flagging suspicious downloads may not predict an inspection. An inspector confirmed they rarely download reports from school websites.
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, workshops, and keynotes on AI, inclusive technology, and digital safeguarding for educators.
Navigating the Balance Between Staff Wellbeing and Professional Boundaries
School leaders may struggle to balance staff wellbeing with professional boundaries when initiatives go unrecognised due to staff stress and exhaustion.
44 Pieces of Advice for a New Headteacher
New headteachers should prioritise stakeholder relationships, staff well-being, and visibility. Lead with humility, listen actively, and trust your team.
SLT Christmas Gifts: Books That Inspire (Or Backfire!)
School leaders debate whether to gift leadership books to SLT. Suggestions include titles by Simon Sinek and Brené Brown, but some prefer non-work gifts.
Supporting School Leaders Through Challenging Feedback
A headteacher's account of receiving hurtful personal 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, curriculum design and SEND. Common areas for improvement include assessment and absenteeism.
Ofsted’s Proposed 5-Point Grading System: Reform or Rebranding?
Ofsted's proposed five-point grading system has met mixed reactions, with concerns that it may increase bureaucracy without addressing core inspection issues.
Teaching in the 1990s: A Look Back at an Era of Creativity, Change, and Camaraderie
Teachers reflect on the 1990s, recalling the introduction of the National Curriculum and Ofsted, minimal classroom technology, and greater lesson autonomy.
Staff Well-being During the Festive Season - Balancing Generosity and Responsibility
School leaders face competing pressures when considering festive time off for staff, weighing morale and retention against budgets and pupil learning.
Navigating Underperformance: A Constructive Approach for School Leaders
Address staff underperformance by identifying root causes like workload or pedagogy gaps. Use informal support and formal review meetings to encourage growth.
Embracing the Calm: When a New Headship Feels Surprisingly Smooth
A new headteacher's surprisingly calm start in a well-established school can feel uncertain, but experienced leaders suggest using the time to listen and plan.
The Education Endowment Foundation's Pupil Premium Resources
The EEF has updated its Pupil Premium resources, including a guide on strategy components and a new resource identifying programmes with proven impact.
Attracting and Retaining Talented Teachers - Key Strategies for School Leaders
John Jerrim’s research shows socioeconomic background, EAL status, and university prestige influence teacher recruitment and retention across the profession.
Ofsted's School Inspection Handbook. What you need to know about the September 2024 updates.
Ofsted updates include removing overall effectiveness grades and judgement logos. Monitoring inspection criteria and Single Central Record requirements change.
Ofsted’s Big Shake-Up - What School Leaders Need to Know
Ofsted is phasing out overall effectiveness judgements for a report card system. Changes include new safeguarding pilots and the use of national hubs.
Ofsted's Big Listen Response: A New Era of Accountability and Support
Ofsted is overhauling inspections to focus on disadvantage, building trust, reducing workload and replacing single-word grades with report cards.
Best Advice for Teachers and Headteachers - Insights from the Community
Community members suggest building relationships with all school staff, prioritising self-care, using the poker principle for praise, and working smart.
Managing Serious Underperformance in Schools - Key Takeaways from the Department for Education’s Guidance
DfE guidance on teacher capability suggests using informal support like coaching first, reserving formal procedures for when improvement is not sustained.
Managing Teacher and Leadership Pay - What School Leaders Need to Know
DfE guidance from July 2024 removes the requirement for mandatory performance-related pay, giving schools autonomy to set their own policies.
Updated Teacher Appraisal Guidance: A More Supportive and Developmental Approach
DfE guidance for 2024/25 shifts teacher appraisal toward development and well-being, prioritising professional growth and informal support over judgement.
Practical Steps for a New Headteacher's September Preparation
Experienced headteachers advise new leaders 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 shares four-word leadership advice, covering wellbeing, compassion, staff relationships and keeping perspective.
Dear Bridget Phillipson MP
HeadteacherChat co-founder Jonathan Coy writes to the Education Secretary outlining community priorities: funding, SEND, Ofsted reform and teacher retention.
A New Dawn for Ofsted – Inspections with a Human Touch
School leaders report more compassionate Ofsted inspections, with some noting increased attention to staff wellbeing during rigorous processes.
HeadteacherChat #SaturdayEduChat: A Call for Educational Change
School leaders call for increased funding, greater autonomy, and systemic reform to address workload, SEND provision, and political control in education.
A Head’s Checklist for New Headteachers: Your Essential Guide
New headteachers should prioritise system access, safeguarding policy reviews, and building relationships with staff and curriculum leaders.
Finding a Healthy Work-Life Balance as a Headteacher
Headteacher working hours vary from 8 to over 12 hours daily. Success depends on setting boundaries, delegating and prioritising well-being.
Understanding Settlement Agreements in Education: Navigating the Challenges
A headteacher shares their experience of being offered a settlement agreement. Advice includes contacting a union and seeking independent legal counsel.
Podcasts
X/Twitter Space: The Key to Impactful Marking and Reduced Workload
Steve discusses using the TeacherFastFeedback device to provide timely, personalised comments and how it addresses accessibility through font and colour.
How football inspires children to look after their wellbeing and develop important life skills
Nick Perchard discusses the Premier League Primary Stars programme, offering curriculum-linked resources to support mental health and life skills in schools.
Avoid Burnout
Helen Woodward discusses managing challenging situations and burnout, citing research showing 78% of education staff have mental health symptoms.
Understanding AI and the risks it could bring to your school
Professor Rose Luckin and Dina Foster discuss AI benefits for workload and learning, alongside risks regarding bias, inaccuracy, and data protection.
Why should I have a coach? Is it actually helpful?
Leadership coach Helen Woodward discusses how coaching helps school leaders become more resourceful, make effective decisions and build high performing teams.
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