A Day of Honesty and Connection
Thursday was a powerful reminder of why we love working in education. School leaders from across the country gathered to explore Leadership —the idea that a school's culture is quietly but powerfully shaped by the consistent, everyday habits and decisions we make.
The atmosphere was immediately one of honesty and shared experience. Everyone came ready to reflect, learn, and share the truth of leadership—the triumphs, the deep challenges, and the vital role of reconnecting with our purpose.
Reconnecting with Our 'Why' – Kate Owbridge
Kate Owbridge’s keynote was truly inspirational, challenging us to look past the noise and focus on what truly 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 underscored that leadership isn't just about the tasks on a list; it’s a way of being—it’s the conversations we initiate, the intentional way we listen, and how we foster a sense of value and 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 reflection offered a profound measure of our work: "Is this school good enough for your own child or a child you love?" A powerful challenge that reframes our entire perspective.
Ofsted: The Balanced Perspective – Jon's Update
Jon’s update on the changing Ofsted landscape provided welcome clarity and reassurance. 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.
He emphasised that truly great schools rely on a robust culture and genuine leadership, not just on chasing the latest framework. Jon's core message was a breath of fresh air:
"Inspection should recognise the work that’s already happening, not drive it."
It was the balanced, grounded perspective every leader needs—fair, practical, and focused entirely on outcomes for children.
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 navigate 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.”
Conclusion: A Day That Reminded Us Why We Lead
We left the day feeling inspired, reassured, and deeply connected to our purpose. The small, consistent habits that make up codified leadership are, in fact, the most powerful levers for change in our schools.
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,
Leadership is not a solo journey; it is something we do together. If you missed this event, don't worry, there will be more opportunities to join the conversation soon!