This advice was gathered from experienced school leaders and educators, for anyone stepping into a first headship or refining how they lead.

Leading with Purpose and Vision

  1. Spend time developing and sharing your vision.
  2. Ensure everyone understands your shared goals.
  3. Take your time to learn about the school—ask, listen, observe.
  4. Culture eats strategy for breakfast—nurture it.
  5. Evolution, not revolution. Be patient with change.
  6. Make a realistic schedule that brings others with you.
  7. Never forget what an honour it is to serve.
  8. Children first, always.
  9. Headteacher = Head Teacher. Keep the learning at your core.

Building Relationships and Trust

  1. Check in with every teacher, every day.
  2. Visit every class and the playground regularly.
  3. Get to know everyone—staff, students, parents, and community.
  4. Talk to the office staff and site team. They are essential.
  5. When at all feasible, keep your office door open.
  6. The new headteacher never criticises the previous one.
  7. Lead with empathy.
  8. Be yourself and connect with others.
  9. Humans first, professionals second.
  10. SMILE.

Learning, Listening, and Growing

  1. Do not arrive thinking you know everything. Stay curious.
  2. Find mentors, networks, and support groups.
  3. Keep reading and stay informed.
  4. Invest in your own growth.
  5. Follow the advice of school specialists—it’s not you (yet!).
  6. Join leadership communities or masterclasses, such as “Navigating Leadership Challenges with Viv Grant”

Modelling Leadership and Well-Being

  1. Role model sensible working hours.
  2. Encourage a culture of staff well-being.
  3. Purchase more teaspoons—you’ll be glad you did!
  4. Lead by example, not by force.
  5. Don’t feel pressured to teach to ‘set an example.’
  6. Trust in your team’s expertise.
  7. Positive change should be exciting, not fearful.
  8. Changes shouldn’t be made just for the sake of it.
  9. Maintain high standards with flexibility and compassion.
  10. Put students first to support adult accountability.

Decision-Making and Prioritisation

  1. Take your time when making decisions.
  2. Remember: inaction is not the same as doing nothing.
  3. Don’t make long, unrealistic to-do lists.
  4. Prioritise. Don’t take on too much at once.
  5. Don’t agree to staff requests in the corridor.
  6. Get a thorough handover or induction.
  7. Understand the school before referencing 'At My Other School'.

Leadership Values

  1. Humility, honesty, and trust are your leadership anchors.
  2. Be patient—everyone is at a different stage.
  3. Sweep the sheds. (From Legacy by James Kerr) – no task is beneath you.
  4. Please, do not be an idiot.

For further support, join The Headteacher Chat Community to connect with other leaders and access leadership CPD.