Congratulations on your new headship! Your first days and weeks on site set the tone. This checklist covers school systems, curriculum and assessment, the people to meet, safeguarding, operations and your own leadership style.

It was developed with insights from expert school leaders and curated by the HeadteacherChat Community.

1. Logistics & Systems

  • System Access: Confirm access to MIS, safeguarding platforms, finance portals, communication systems, and HR tools.
  • Records Audit: Locate and review key documents—pupil records, safeguarding logs, staff files, and financial reports.
  • Key Personnel: Introduce yourself to essential staff (SBM, site manager, IT team, admin staff)—they know the operational pulse.
  • Core Documents: Prioritise reading the SEF, SIP, staff structure, curriculum overview, risk assessments, and term dates.

Tip: Use the "MIS Checklist for School Leaders" to ensure full access is in place.

2. Curriculum & Assessment

  • Curriculum Overview: Request medium- and long-term plans. Check alignment with your School Development Plan (SDP).
  • Assessment Data: Analyse recent pupil performance data—look for trends, gaps, and key groups.
  • Meet Curriculum Leaders: Talk to subject leaders about curriculum delivery, assessment practices, and immediate priorities.

Resource: Explore the MasterClass on Curriculum Development with Mel Moore.

3. People & Culture: Building Relationships First

  • Be Present: Spend time in corridors, classrooms, and the playground—observe, connect, and build trust.
  • Meet SLT Members Individually: Understand their leadership style, priorities, and honest views on school climate.
  • Staff Voice: Gather informal feedback before making wider changes. “Listen first, lead later.”

Insight: Try the “Navigating Leadership Challenges” MasterClass with Viv Grant.

4. Safeguarding: Your Non-Negotiable Priority

  • Policy Review: Read and understand the school’s safeguarding, behaviour, and child protection policies.
  • Meet the DSL: Clarify your safeguarding chain of command and reporting procedures.
  • Check Your Training: Ensure your safeguarding certification is current. Read the current edition of Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) in full. KCSIE 2026 has applied since 1 September 2026.

Download: DSL Safeguarding Responsibilities Checklist (Aligned with KCSIE 2025).

5. School Operations

  • Vulnerable Learners & Families: Ask for a briefing on students requiring additional support or immediate safeguarding attention.
  • Staff & Student Transitions: Review onboarding processes for new staff and induction for pupils.
  • Handover from Outgoing Head: Request access to emails, project files, reports, and key contacts. End access for former accounts.

Resource: SEND Code of Practice Compliance Action Plan.

6. Your Leadership Style

  • Visibility Matters: Be seen—and approachable—across the school.
  • Reserve Judgement: Don’t rush to conclusions. Take time to understand the school before making wider changes, but act on urgent concerns, especially safeguarding, straight away.
  • Model Wellbeing: Your staff watch how you work. Prioritise healthy habits and boundaries for yourself and others.

Insight: Leading on Wellbeing MasterClass – Practical stress management for school leaders.

Essential Resources

  • Headteacher Transition Checklist – A practical roadmap for a smooth start.
  • School Leader Attendance Monitoring Checklist – Prioritise pupil and staff attendance.
  • Ofsted Inspection Handbook: 2024 Key Changes – Understand updated expectations.
  • Keeping children safe in education (current edition) – Essential for safeguarding compliance.

Your Turn: Share Your Experience

Have you recently transitioned into headship? What advice helped you the most?

Join the discussion with other school leaders at:

HeadteacherChat Community

For more expert guidance, visit:

Headteacher Transition Checklist

Updated 11/08/2025