September signals a fresh start for many, but for you, it marks a significant milestone—the beginning of your first headship. It’s both an exciting and daunting time. With countless responsibilities competing for your attention, you may find yourself wondering: What should be my top priority in these early weeks?
We posed this question to our experienced school leader community, and the consensus was clear:
"See the school."
This simple yet profound advice goes beyond observation—it is about truly understanding the school’s culture, rhythms, and people. Here’s how you can effectively ‘see’ your school:
1. Immerse Yourself in the School Culture
- Observe how staff, students, and parents interact. What are the dominant routines and unwritten rules?
- Pay attention to how assemblies, breaktimes, and transitions between lessons flow.
- Look for patterns in behaviour, attitudes, and levels of engagement—these insights will shape your approach.
2. Be Present and Engaged
- Step outside your office. Spend time in classrooms, corridors, the staffroom, and playground.
- Interact with everyone, from cleaners to governors—showing a genuine interest in their roles builds trust.
- Walk the school grounds daily; visibility is key to credibility.
3. Practise Active Listening
- Meet with staff individually and in groups to understand their perspectives.
- Ask open-ended questions like "What are the school's biggest strengths and challenges?"
- Take note of not only what is said but also what remains unsaid—concerns, aspirations, and underlying tensions.
4. Take Notes and Reflect
- Keep a leadership journal where you record key observations, staff feedback, and potential action points.
- Look for common themes—do any issues keep coming up?
- Avoid rushing into immediate changes. Instead, use this period to inform thoughtful, well-planned decisions.
The Power of Patience and Presence
Amidst the whirlwind of a new role, many new headteachers feel pressure to make immediate changes. However, the most successful leaders resist this urge. Instead, they prioritise understanding before acting. As one experienced headteacher put it:
"Big eyes, big ears, and wear out the shoe leather. Visibility builds credibility!"
Practical Strategies from Experienced Leaders
To support your transition, here are additional tips drawn from expert resources:
✅ Schedule 1:1 meetings with all staff members, including support staff.
✅ Find a mentor or coach—peer support is invaluable.
✅ Utilise structured checklists such as the Headteacher Transition Checklist.
✅ Access CPD on leadership challenges, resilience, and well-being.
✅ Engage with school improvement frameworks, including Ofsted’s latest updates.
✅ Review safeguarding and SEND policies to ensure compliance.
Final Thought: Welcome to the Helm
The first few weeks set the tone for your leadership journey. By prioritising connection and understanding over immediate action, you lay the foundation for long-term success.
Step out of your office, embrace the school community, and take it all in. You’ve got this!
For further reading, explore The HeadteacherChat Community’s MasterClasses and Leadership Resources.
Updated 11/03/25