A Day of Honesty and Connection
On Thursday, school leaders from across the country met to explore Codified Leadership: the idea that a school's culture is shaped by the everyday habits and decisions of its leaders. People came ready to be honest about the good days and the hard ones.
Reconnecting with Our 'Why' – Kate Owbridge
Kate Owbridge’s keynote asked us to look past the noise and focus on what drives us.
"If it doesn’t matter, you’re in the wrong school — or the wrong job.”
That quote resonated deeply. Kate challenged us to define the leaders we want to be and, just as importantly, the leaders we don't. She described leadership as a way of being more than a task list: the conversations we start, how we listen, and how we build trust in our teams.
Her session was a call to action to surround ourselves with people who share our values and commitment. Kate’s closing question is a test worth using: "Is this school good enough for your own child or a child you love?"
Ofsted: The Balanced Perspective – Jon's Update
Jon’s update on the changes at Ofsted was clear and reassuring. His calm, pragmatic approach helped shift the focus away from simply "doing" inspection towards viewing it as a strategic opportunity for authentic reflection and improvement.
Great schools rely on strong culture and leadership, not on chasing the latest framework. His core message:
"Inspection should recognise the work that’s already happening, not drive it."
Codified Leadership in Action: Trust and Vulnerability from Caroline Sherwood
The most valuable discussions of the day centred on how Codified Leadership manifests in the everyday. We explored practical ways to handle conflict, build psychological safety, and sustain personal and team wellbeing.
The consensus was clear: vulnerability is a strength, and real leadership happens when we intentionally create space for open, honest dialogue—even, and especially, when it’s difficult. As one participant insightfully summarised:
"It’s about finding your voice—and helping others find theirs too.”
Thank you
A heartfelt thank you to every leader who contributed their wisdom and openness, and to Kate, Caroline and Jon for leading with such depth and heart. And a huge Thank you to Jade and the Canva Team.
If you missed this event, there will be more opportunities to join the conversation soon.
