Transitioning into the role of an Assistant Headteacher has been a great new experience – with lots of positives and some challenges. It’s not always easy joining a new school nearly a quarter of the way through the year, and especially a school with long-standing staff, who already have strong relationships in place and so a new face can be unsettling for many.

It’s a common misconception that being part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) means having your own office and delegating jobs to everyone else, while you find time to chit chat with other SLT members and sip on your coffee. This could not be further from the truth! I mean there are many leaders who do choose to go down that route but definitely not in my case! I have spent the entire first term rolling my sleeves up and getting stuck right in! I have covered classes in so many different year groups, including the ARP, which is our very own specialist SEN department with neurodiverse pupils. I have tried hard to lead by example and offer support to colleagues wherever possible in order to gain their respect and trust. 

Nevertheless, there will always be people that feel threatened by you and resent you for stepping into their desired role but my approach has always been to ‘kill with kindness’. I hope that overtime, this approach will prove to be fruitful and my leadership style will prove to win them over. 

Speaking of leadership, my National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL) course has played an instrumental role in shaping my leadership style. This course acquainted me with all the different types of leadership behaviours and the areas in which I needed to develop myself further. If you are a currently a Middle Leader looking to progress onto a SLT role then I highly recommend this 18-month programme of study. I did mine through Best Practice Network, with a scholarship through my previous state-funded school. Here is the link for those interested: https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/npqsl

The role of an Assistant Headteacher is very widespread and you’re quite literally thrown into the deep end. You have to teach, host events, support different year groups and take on many cross-school responsibilities. It really does bring all your years of experience together as a teacher and tests your versatility! Nevertheless, I have enjoyed every moment of it. Everyone has been very welcoming and accepting of any new ideas that I have brought to the table. My Headteacher, Deputies and fellow Assistant Head have all been so supportive and nurturing. 

I’m sure that over time, I will continue to develop my working relationship with colleagues, children and parents further but for now, I would encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves in all different areas of the school. Get as much experience under your belt – don’t be stuck in one year group or phase forever!

Wishing all those looking to progress further in their teaching career all the very best!