It’s been a difficult few weeks for school leaders, especially reflecting on recent news, and seeing the national reaction. It is a moment of pause to reflect on a national inspection system which is not designed to support headteachers, but within which they are called to work. It's no wonder being a headteacher feels as … Continue reading Whose yardstick?

The sculpture is already complete within the marble block before I start my work. It is already there. I just have to chisel away all the surplus material - Michelangelo The Opera del Duomo – the committee in charge of decorating the cathedral in Florence – had an unfinished project on their hands. A document … Continue reading What’s your news?

The meeting paradoxMost meetings are unnecessary, badly run, involve the wrong people, the wrong things, are dominated by loud people, or are just boring. But the interesting thing is that some of our most creative and productive work comes when we collaborate closely with others. Meetings absorb more time and drain morale more than almost anything … Continue reading Running better meetings