A member of our community asked:

“What’s the best advice you can give to teachers and headteachers?”

Here are some of the answers educators and leaders across the country shared.

Building a Strong Foundation

Build relationships across the school

“Get to know your business manager, admin team, cleaner, and caretaker. Respect them, and they will look after you.”

Appreciate the unsung heroes

“Don't naff off the caretaker!”

Prioritising Self-Care

Fill your own cup first

“Let it overflow. Give to others from the overflow.”

Balance is not optional

“There are no statues of dead teachers—life–work balance is key.”

Treat yourself—it’s part of the job

“If you’re a headteacher, spend some of your salary on yourself. It helps manage stress.”

Effective Leadership and Communication

Keep it simple and focused

“Issue, action, impact—stay focused on these and speak less.”

Use the poker principle

“Leadership is like poker—give chips (praise, time, trust), so when you need to take a few back (criticism), they’re received constructively.”

Consistency builds credibility

“If I can’t do it for everyone, I can’t do it for you.”

Assume positive intent

Approach every interaction with empathy and professionalism.

Respect the role, not just the person

“Respect the position, even if you don’t like the person.”

Classroom Wisdom

Commit fully or rethink the role

“Teaching isn’t 9–3, and 13 weeks of holiday isn’t really 13! If you can’t commit to the children, you’re in the wrong profession.”

Have a life outside of school

“Children love hearing about your weekend—so have one!”

Lead with compassion

“Those who need love the most often show it in the most unloving ways.”

Work smart

“You should never be working harder than the children.”

Getting Through Challenges

Tough times pass

“There is an end to everything. Hang in there.”

Eat the frog

“Tackle the hardest task first.”

Adapt when things aren’t working

“If you keep banging your head against the same wall, you just get a sore head.”

Timeless Advice from the Field

Keep the main thing, the main thing

Don’t let distractions derail what matters most.

Kindness matters

“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

Invest in relationships

“Spend time building trust with stakeholders—parents, governors, community members.”

Lead with integrity

“Do what you know is right, even when policies or norms suggest otherwise.”

Think long-term

“Start paying into your pension early—use AVCs if you can.”

Practical Support from Headteacher Chat

Related sessions in the Headteacher Chat Community:

Leadership and Wellbeing

Time Management and Organisation

School Culture and Leadership

Practical Leadership Support

Your Advice

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

We’d love to hear it. Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation in the Headteacher Chat Community.