Insight and inspiration

Stepping into a leadership role in education is both thrilling and daunting. The path is filled with opportunities to inspire, innovate, and impact lives. Yet, it also comes with its fair share of obstacles. From managing diverse teams to navigating policy changes, the challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth - every challenge is a chance to grow, to learn, and to lead with integrity and purpose. Recognising Common Obstacles in Educational Leadership B

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. It’s already having a significant impact across the public sector – from helping police identify criminals to improving cancer screening in the NHS.   That’s why we are bringing the AI revolution to the classroom – using it to modernise our education system, to back our teachers and deliver for our children and learners.    Here is everything you need to know about how AI can transform education.   Are teachers allowed to use AI? 

Stepping into a leadership role in education is both thrilling and daunting. I’ve seen firsthand how the journey is filled with moments of triumph and times when the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming. Educational leadership is not just about managing a school or an institution; it’s about inspiring change, nurturing growth, and steering a community towards a shared vision. But what are the key leadership challenges that make this path so complex? Let’s explore them

Most of us remember our favourite teachers, those who went the extra mile, who inspired, who coached, who cared, and who made a huge difference in our formative years. So why are we experiencing a national trend of below-target recruitment for initial teacher training and low teacher retention, especially in the first few years? Is it perhaps that teaching is a career seen to be at risk of replacement by online tutors? Maybe the dream of inspiring the next generation does not

Understanding the Value of Inspections Inspections are often viewed negatively. The focus tends to be on the stress they cause and their potential impact on the mental health of school leaders. However, it’s time to shift this narrative. Recently, I encountered a Headteacher who celebrated receiving the inspection notification call. They looked forward to the process. This positive outlook is something more Heads should adopt. Inspections provide a valuable opportunity for ex

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

Leading a school is no small feat. It’s a journey filled with rewarding moments and, yes, some tough hurdles. When I think about the key leadership challenges in schools , I’m reminded of the delicate balance between managing day-to-day operations and inspiring a vision for the future. It’s a role that demands resilience, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose. But how do we navigate these challenges effectively? Let’s explore some of the most pressing issues and practical way

If you're an educator who has been inexplicably interrupted by a chorus of "Six-Seven!" (or "Six-Seveeeeen!") when referencing a page number or a maths problem, you are officially in the throes of Gen Alpha's latest, delightfully nonsensical viral trend. Understanding the "Six-Seven" Phenomenon This TikTok-fuelled phenomenon is a meaningless, low-stakes phrase that has become a disruptive classroom chant. It’s a classic pedagogical challenge. Yes, it’s harmless, but its persi

Stepping into educational leadership is like setting sail on a vast ocean. The waters can be calm and inspiring, but storms are inevitable. As leaders, we face waves of change, expectations, and complexities that test our resolve and skills. Yet, with the right mindset and tools, these challenges become opportunities to grow, innovate, and lead with integrity. Let’s explore some of the most pressing challenges in educational leadership and how we can navigate them together. U

For JW Consulting blog October 2025 / 498 words   Navigating SEND and inclusion can often feel like wading through a sea of jargon and shifting guidance. School leaders are feeling the strain of rising SEND demand, tighter budgets, and increasing parental expectations. For many, the challenge is not only meeting statutory requirements but also defining what genuine inclusion looks like in daily practice. Diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and social, emotional and mental health needs

Stepping into a leadership role in education is both thrilling and daunting. The responsibility to shape young minds, support teachers,...

The World of Slow Horses 🐴 🐴 Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a talk by Mick Herron, the creator of Slough House and Slow...

The thought-provoking Buddhist words, ‘The heaviest burdens that we carry are the thoughts within our head’, is a phrase that   I often...

The banners that welcome children back to school are beginning to go up, and there is a noticeable upward turn in the number of teachers...

We humans are peculiar creatures. We have so many innate behaviours and peculiarities that we sometimes end up fighting against what is...

The pursuit of work life balance remains a challenge for most school leaders. How do you leave the big decisions, dilemmas, planned...

As school leaders prepare for the beginning of year, perhaps they should consider messaging the undeniable importance of those staff who...

On the face of it, school leaders and business executives would be hard pressed to take many lessons from the shenanigans which are...