Insight and inspiration

Inspections are often viewed with significant negativity, and the emphasis is wrongly on the stress they cause and the adverse impact they can potentially have on the mental health of school leaders. It was refreshing therefore to see a Head recently celebrating receiving the inspection notification call and looking forward to the process. More Heads should appreciate the opportunity it presents for external peer review and feedback from a team of inspectors with deep underst

The ISI Annual Review of Inspections (2024-2025) reported that 82.1% of schools met the standards. Importantly, most unmet standards were related to welfare, health, and safety of pupils. Safeguarding, of course, is the golden thread that runs through every aspect of school life.

Leading a school today is no small feat. The landscape of education is shifting rapidly, and with it comes a unique set of challenges that test even the most seasoned leaders. I’ve seen firsthand how these hurdles can feel overwhelming, yet they also offer incredible opportunities for growth and transformation. Let’s explore some of the most pressing challenges in school leadership and how we can navigate them with confidence and integrity. Navigating the Complexities of Chal

I spend a lot of time walking past this tree, and I bet you are drawn to its splendour and majesty. I also bet you are now contemplating the bigger tree in the background. However, the one I admire most is the smaller sapling at the forefront of the image. Yes, an analogy is coming, so please be warned. The Strength of the Underdog Why admire the smaller tree over the larger, more established version? It’s pretty simple. The smaller sapling is fighting for its life. It strugg