Moving from deputy headteacher to headteacher changes your responsibilities, your relationships and how you lead. Some of the deputy role carries over; much of it does not. These are the main challenges, with resources for each.

Communication with Everyone

A headteacher talks to pupils, staff, parents, governors and the wider community more than a deputy ever did, and more depends on it.

  • Communicate clearly and early to prevent misunderstandings.
  • Listen and respond to staff concerns.
  • Engage regularly with parents and the local community.

Further reading on leadership and communication:

From Operations to Strategy

A deputy's role often centres on day-to-day operations and making sure policies are implemented. A headteacher's focus moves to vision and long-term planning.

  • Delegate. Let your leadership team handle operational tasks rather than doing them all yourself.
  • Develop the school vision and improvement strategy with others.
  • Manage external relations, including local authorities and government bodies, which become a larger part of the role.

Resources for strategic planning:

The Weight of Headship

Deputies carry substantial responsibilities, but final decisions and ultimate accountability for pupil outcomes, staff well-being, finance and safeguarding rest with the headteacher.

  • Every outcome, good or bad, is attributed to your leadership, so decisions carry more pressure.
  • The demands compete: teaching quality, staffing, finance, safeguarding and external compliance.
  • Crises and conflicts need composure and problem-solving.

Leadership support and well-being resources:

Loneliness at the Top

Many new headteachers underestimate the isolation. As a deputy you were part of a leadership team; as head you are the final authority.

  • Keep peer networks. Other headteachers understand.
  • Work closely with governors to share the weight of accountability.
  • Keep some classroom contact. Many headteachers miss working directly with pupils, and staying involved in teaching and learning helps.

Networking and leadership development: