Returning to school following a summer break is always slightly nerve-racking and difficult for everyone. For me this year, there is an added layer of stress because I will be taking on my first headship at a brand new school.
There will be others in this situation, too - although with fewer senior leaders wanting to take the step towards headship (now only 20 per cent, according to a recent ), it is perhaps not as common as it once was. Certainly, it is not a decision I have taken lightly.
There is less money to spend and more uncertainty, and there are increasing pressures and demands from all areas - hardly the dream job. It is very easy to see why so few in education are enticed by the top job. So why have I decided to take that leap?
Taking a headteacher job
During my years in education, I have always been immensely impressed by the strength of character and determination that the heads I have worked for have shown.
I’ve loved the way they have led communities through highs and lows and positioned their schools in such a way that so many people of all ages have relied on the service they provided, often reaching far beyond education.
Being the figurehead of such an important organisation that can do so much good for the staff it employs, the children it teaches and the community it serves is an incredible responsibility; one that I will cherish.
Although the challenges and problems seem bigger than ever before, for some bizarre reason, for me, this only adds to the appeal of the position.
As such, I found myself applying for headship roles and was lucky enough, after an extremely exhausting two-day interview, to be offered a role. I had two immediate emotions:
Relief: I had been hoping for this position since the moment the post became available, as I felt it was perfect for me (despite numerous reminders to not become attached to one job that I was applying for!). Securing the role definitely came with a sense of relief.
Excitement: having watched so many fantastic leaders develop and progress schools, I couldn’t wait to have this opportunity to lead and shape a school of my own.
Then, after these feelings subsided and the adrenaline left my body, I had the daunting realisation that, come September, for the first time in my career, I would be leading a school.
Preparing for the future
Whenever I have been faced with a new circumstance or a situation that is unknown, I have always found that engaging with whatever the scenario is as fully as possible yields the best results. For me, this means ensuring that I am as prepared as possible.
I found myself in a fortunate position for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was offered the position prior to the Easter break, meaning that my time to prepare, gather my thoughts and consider priorities was considerable.
Secondly, the school I was at had enough time to employ my replacement and was extremely accommodating with allowing me a few transition days.
Thirdly, the school and trust that I was joining were really diligent with regards to organising time for me to meet as many stakeholders as possible prior to the summer break.
I have also used the time leading up to starting my new role to read as much about the school as I can, devouring its website and reading important policies, and sending letters to staff and parents regarding my intentions. I have also read books on leading schools.
No doubt much of this will be a distant memory come 1 September, but it has certainly made me feel better over the summer.
How do you know?
One of the most common questions asked of headteachers is “How did you know you were ready to take on headship?”
I have asked headteachers that - and been asked it myself by colleagues over the past few months.
The answer I give now is the same one I have been given on many occasions: “You never really know.”
Of course, you need experience in relevant areas of school life, from expertise with curriculum, assessment and teaching to skills like site management, 51, HR and so on.
But, ultimately, there is only so much you can learn before you have to take a leap and put yourself forward. You need to accept that you’ll learn the rest as you go.
Despite this reality, and all of the nerves, difficult circumstances and unknown situations that will no doubt come my way in the year ahead, my overriding emotion is one of excitement.
The chance to lead a school, shape it with my vision and be responsible for improving the lives of our children and the community is one I will relish.
Jordan Coombes is headteacher at Lambourne Primary School, part of Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust
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