Headteacher

If you're a Headteacher, or you aspire to be one, take a look at our articles that deal with different aspects of school leadership. We have case studies of leadership vision, energy and innovation. Our headship updates focus on a range of topics, including strategic direction, team building, developing positive partnerships, school improvement and more. Scroll down to browse the list.

How to reinvigorate your G&T provision | Headteacher

Deputy headteachers Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith consider how school leaders can reinvigorate their G&T programmes so they are an integral part of their school's success and not simply a bolt-on

School business managers: utilise your advanced fundraising skills | Headteacher

Business managers and bursars are ideally placed to help their schools develop more robust approaches to fundraising, argue Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith

Promoting healthy early years settings | Headteacher

Early Years Update looks at the National Healthy Schools Programme and the key issues it aims to address

Effective target setting for school improvement | Headteacher

Headteacher Kim Sparling explores how targets in schools can be used most effectively

The financial side of becoming an academy | Headteacher

Have you ever been attracted by the financial freedom of academies but wondered what the drawbacks are? Gary Dawson guides you through the issues

Building an effective childcare team | Headteacher

Discover how to manage the dynamics of a balanced and well-organised childcare team

Free concert tickets for budding music critics with Bachtrack | Headteacher

Invite your pupils to become published music critics with the Bachtrack Young Reviewer programme

An inside look at an Ofsted inspection | Headteacher

Would you like to be a fly-on-the-wall at your own Ofsted inspection? Paul Williamson, assistant head of Greenbank High School, shares the insights he gained from doing just that

Lessons from America | Headteacher

Last year 12 sixth-form teachers applied to TEAM (The European-Atlantic Movement) to take part in a sponsored study trip to America to deepen and broaden their knowledge of US politics, government and culture. One of them shares his experience

How to tackle a bad Ofsted report | Headteacher

What is your next step if you're given a poor Ofsted report? Angela Youngman discusses this, and talks to one headteacher who took over a school in the 'notice to improve' category

Indicators, targets and the decline of education? | Headteacher

Setting targets is no way to improve educational standards, argues former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), Richard Bird

A different approach: teaching through the arts | Headteacher

Gallions Primary School teaches the entire curriculum through the arts, with fantastic results. Co-heads Paul Jackson and Emma McCarthy explain how it's done

Governors and performance management | Headteacher

Michele Robbins asks what issues arise most frequently in governor training sessions, and looks at how governors are responding to changes in performance management

In search of solutions for excluded pupils | Headteacher

Recent government legislation has created new opportunities for multi-agency working in addressing and reducing exclusions from schools, says headteacher Neil Berry

Growing leaders in your governing body | Headteacher

Is there a lack of leadership initiative in your governing body? David Marriott looks at the importance of leadership development for governors

The implementation of SEAL | Headteacher

What can be achieved by SEAL over three years? Educational psychologist Cate Summers takes a look at results in the London Borough of Westminster

RTIs: what can you expect? | Headteacher

Headteacher Kim Sparling shares her school's experience of the revised reduced tariff inspection, and explains why she found it less stressful than the previous framework

Governor participation: getting to know your school | Headteacher

Can individual governors really make a difference? Joan Sallis looks at how and why governors should get under the skin of their school

Self-evaluation forms: going departmental | Headteacher

Anne Clarke, principal of Benton Park School, discusses the value of departmental SEFs

The Children's Plan: principles and strategies | Headteacher

What does the Children's Plan have to say about shaping up a more emotionally literate education system?

Making the most of your staff | Headteacher

Roger Smith considers ways in which headteachers can help their staff make the most of their careers

The road to a creative curriculum | Headteacher

Have you taken ownership of your curriculum yet? David Morley examines how to break free, particularly with themed creative events

Bridging the home-school divide | Headteacher

The role of family link workers is to encourage parents' participation and interest in school life. Fiona Taylor shares her school's experience in the benefits of developing this role

Making provision for how boys learn best | Headteacher

In early years especially, boys should not be forced into a "girl-like" model of learning, explains Steve Mynard

School security: keeping children safe | Headteacher

Angela Youngman explores the problem of achieving maximum security in schools whilst maintaining a pleasant environment

Restraining pupils: guidance on the use of force | Headteacher

The new guidance on restraining pupils is essential reading. Jenni Whitehead discusses the powers it gives and some of the dilemmas it poses

NLE programme: leadership support for struggling schools | Headteacher

The NLE programme, which provides additional leadership to schools in difficulty, is now in its second year. Crispin Andrews meets an NLE headteacher and discusses the role his school is playing

Planning and funding environmental improvements to your school grounds | Headteacher

A number of resources are available when funding school grounds improvements, explains Gill O'Donnell

Extended services across a cluster | Headteacher

Some of the key success factors in the development of extended schools provision across a cluster are discussed by Dave Dunkley, headteacher at Coleshill Heath Full Service Extended School in Solihull, and Ruth Shand, lead officer for extended services at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Working with parents to raise additional funds for your school | Headteacher

The parental fundraising team is a fanstastic resource. Paul Ainsworth and Josephine Smith look at how to maximise the work it does

Reviewing your school complaints procedure | Headteacher

Michael Segal explains why a clear school complaints procedure is vital

Effective management and deployment of support staff | Headteacher

Effective management of support staff depends on a set of basic systems being in place. Ruth Bradbury looks at how to build teams, define roles and establish effective performance management

How to approach 'failure to educate' claims | Headteacher

The rulings of two recent legal cases indicate that a pupil's attitude and application will now be key in assessing educational negligence claims, writes Mark Blois

Evaluation of the full service extended schools initiative | Headteacher

Colleen Cummings examines the evaluation of the the DCSF full service extended schools initiative and some implications for extended schools

How the school business manager can affect Ofsted | Headteacher

The support of a school business manager can make all the difference to your next Ofsted inspection, explains Nina Siddle

What is the Early Year Professional Status? | Headteacher

Early Years Update looks at the opportunities available for practitioners to gain Early Years Professional Status

The Children's Plan: key points for early years | Headteacher

The Children’s Plan was launched by Ed Balls in December 2007, but what are the government's objectives for this initiative?

Good leadership and management in early years setting | Headteacher

In the first of new series on managing people, Early Years Update looks at the distinction between leadership and management

Support for all: extended and outreach services | Headteacher

Headteacher Bernadette O’Brien describes the core themes of extended provision at Priory School and Sports College

Legal basics for teachers: the new codes for admissions and appeals | Headteacher

It is vital to know the new changes to the law — especially if your school is its own admissions authority, writes Ingrid Sutherland

Speaking school finances: business and education | Headteacher

Ruth Bradbury considers the relationship and boundaries between the roles of school business manager and teaching and learning leader

Enhancing the contribution of business and finance staff through ECM | Headteacher

The contribution of support staff to student achievement must be recognised and promoted, says Paul Ainsworth

Children's stress and anxiety | Headteacher

Is the pressure of school life too much for young children? Roger Smith investigates

Investing in e-books for children | Headteacher

Ensuring that all pupils can read by the time that they leave primary school is a priority for headteachers across the country. Ben Barton looks at how new technology might make this easier

Making transitions easier | Headteacher

Starting and changing schools are big transitions. Former headteacher Lynn Cousins shares advice on handling these and less common times of change that children experience

Innovative teaching of PE and sport | Headteacher

Angela Youngman looks at some innovative ideas to get children moving

Providing difficult feedback to staff: What to say and how to say it | Headteacher

Deputy headteacher David Morley examines how best to provide feedback, how to prepare for it and how to train others to do it

The Primary Capital Programme | Headteacher

A £7bn programme will transform 8,000 primary and special schools over the next 15 years. Crispin Andrews looks at some of the innovative projects being planned in the pathfinder schools

Sustainable nursery schools: Environmental review at EYFS | Headteacher

Anne Humble describes the benefits to be gained for nursery schools from participating in the Eco-Schools scheme

Achievements and failures of 'local management' | Headteacher

School governor and former headteacher Peter Downes takes the long view on what 'local management' set out to achieve 25 years ago and where he believes it has gone partially wrong

Measuring school performance | Headteacher

While measuring school performance is important, it is vital that the data used is properly understood and that the broader picture is not lost, says headteacher Peter Kent

Collaboration and unity: the rewards of 100% specialist status | Headteacher

The advantages of being part of a local authority where all schools have specialist status are enormous, as education writer Crispin Andrews found out when he spoke to headteachers in one of them – Plymouth

International links for leadership and learning | Headteacher

There is a great deal that schools in difference countries can learn from each other about the problems and successes that different approaches to integrating ethnically diverse pupils into schools can offer, says headteacher Neil Berry

Legal basics for teachers: Structure and responsibilities of governing bodies | Headteacher

Mark Blois provides an update and overview on governing body structure and the complex demands made of governors - and possible changes on the horizon

Teaching religion: the duty to be impartial | Headteacher

What are the legal restrictions on how we should teach religious studies in school?

The role of the SENCO in improving ECM outcomes | Headteacher

At times the collaborative partnership process for SENCOs and senior leaders in schools can be challenging and time consuming. Rita Cheminais looks at how to establish effective partnerships, and describes a new ECM self-evaluation tool that will help to strengthen partnership working

Elective home education: parental rights and constraints | Headteacher

Headteacher David Dixon takes a close look at the philosophy behind elective home education, enshrined in a recent consultation document on guidelines to cover this parental option

The role of risk taking in school improvement | Headteacher

Headteacher Anne Clarke reveals how her personal experience of taking a risk as a headteacher led to success and highlights why risk taking is often vital to school improvement

Improving children’s safety: new public service agreement | Headteacher

Schools, colleges and early years settings are seen as having a major role to play in the plans and policies set forward in this new document

Developing medium term financial plans | Headteacher

Lindsey Wharmby puts cost prediction and risk assessment under the spotlight

The importance of data security | Headteacher

School data is an exceptionally valuable asset and schools are not doing enough to safeguard it. Mark Hoyland talks us through the issue

High level questioning skills in young children: part 2 | Headteacher

Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, considers the practicalities of helping young children to develop higher-order questioning skills

Embracing Every Child Matters for inspection | Headteacher

Ofsted is using the five ECM outcomes as key points in primary school inspections. Dave Weston looks at how schools are supporting the outcomes and gives advice on preparing for inspection

'Racism' challenge to exclusion decision | Headteacher

When is exclusion for serious misconduct justified, and how careful must a headteacher be in excluding a pupil?

SEN past the age of 16: where do limits of responsibility lie? | Headteacher

Who gets the final say in deciding when a statement of SEN comes to an end? David Ruebain, Chris Barnett and David Wolfe unravel a complex new case

Legal basics for teachers: Health and safety limits of liability | Headteacher

A headteacher was fined £12,500 after a boy died at school. What does this mean for educators? Hazel Padmore investigates

Academies: independence and freedom — or state control? | Headteacher

While academies have some characteristics of maintained schools, they retain independent status in law. So which rules apply? Richard Gold clarifies

Guy Claxton's character curriculum for the learning age | Headteacher

Guy Claxton invites debate on his eight character strengths and virtues for the learning age

Creating partnerships | Headteacher

Ann Briggs, professor of educational leadership at Newcastle University, examines the issues surrounding the current policy drive towards creating 'partnerships'

Learning outside the classroom: examining the school grounds | Headteacher

David Storrie describes a course on learning outside the classroom that has allowed teachers to critically examine their school grounds

The power to search: a gift to schools? | Headteacher

Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), looks at the wisdom of using the power to search in schools and concludes that there are often better options

Extended schools: facing up to technological challenges | Headteacher

Steve Smith, former deputy headteacher at a technology college and now business development director for education at ICT specialist Ramseys, looks at the technological challenges and opportunities that extended service schools present

Alternative pathways into the world of work | Headteacher

Headteacher Brian Rossiter outlines his experience of seeking to take advantage of the variety of alternative qualifications available to boost his school’s headline statistics, while at the same time preparing individual pathways into the world of work for his students

Facing the challenges of HR management | Headteacher

Headteacher Neil Berry takes a look at the vital part that human resource management plays in a school leader’s working life

Specialist SEN schools - sharing expertise | Headteacher

Pauline Holbrook, national inclusion coordinator for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, talks to SENCO Update about the nature and role of specialist SEN schools and gives advice on how to make the most of the expertise within them and the services they provide

New exclusion rules (part 2): governors and appeal panels | Headteacher

A raft of small changes add up to important new duties for all parties to the exclusion process. Ingrid Sutherland runs through what you need to know, in part two of this series

School uniform policy and religious belief | Headteacher

How can a school best strike a balance between its uniform policy and its pupils' right to manifest their religion or belief?

Primary homework | Headteacher

Having found himself in a governors' free-for-all on the subject of homework, Roger Smith describes that experience and shares his own thoughts and that of researchers on the subject

Old style 'school trips' | Headteacher

Former headteacher Bob Jelley remembers a time when 'school trips' were a lot more straightforward

Higher level questioning skills in young children | Headteacher

We tend to take questioning skills for granted; they certainly seem to develop quite readily in young children. Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, explores the reasons why we might choose to guide our children towards higher-level questioning skills

DCSF wants all SENCOs to be qualified teachers | Headteacher

A consultation document from the DCSF seeks views on proposals for regulations to ensure that SENCOs are qualified teachers with a defined role in the leadership and management of the school

Legal basics for teachers: pupils in care | Headteacher

Yvonne Spencer looks at a broad scheme to improve outcomes — and explains its effect on local authorities and schools

When can employers specify religion or sexual orientation? | Headteacher

The genuine occupational requirement defence to a discrimination claim allows schools to set conditions on whom they employ. Tamara Ludlow explains

Community learning in action | Headteacher

Providing an extended schools service with a community learning centre brought about unexpected synergies for Mitchell High School. Shaun Morgan describes the changes

From personalised to person-centred | Headteacher

Michael Fielding, professor at London’s Institute of Education, argues that we need to think a lot harder about what we mean by personalised learning if current developments are to engage people actively in their learning

Raising achievement through extended schools | Headteacher

Principal Ian Johnson describes how an extended school day and a high level of community involvement are central to the strategy for raising achievement at The Marlowe Academy in Ramsgate

Early Years Marketing 4: Promotional material | Headteacher

The importance of producing accurate and attractive promotional material about your school or setting

Providing 'value for money' secondary education | Headteacher

Kim Sparling, headteacher of Oldfield School in Bath, explores the concept of 'value for money' in a secondary school context and outlines some suggestions on ways to achieve it

Meeting the needs of new EAL arrivals | Headteacher

It can be daunting and isolating for children with few English language skills to start a new school. Education writer Dorothy Lepkowska reports on a new programme designed to help them achieve their potential

Education and business working together | Headteacher

Creating and delivering productive links between business and the school curriculum can benefit everyone's future, argues headteacher Martin Ainsworth

The New Relationship and SIP | Headteacher

Headteacher Neil Berry describes his experiences of being on both sides of the SIP process and concludes that the New Relationship has improved LA and school accountability

Building Schools for the Future: the ICT outsourcing route | Headteacher

As part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative initiative it is recommended that schools work with a managed service provider to procure, manage, maintain and refresh their ICT infrastructure and equipment. Steve Smith explores ICT outsourcing and highlights the potential cost savings

Is it time to consider online recruitment? | Headteacher

Paul Howells considers the changing nature of recruitment in our schools, and encourages you to consider how you can best save time while also getting best value

All in the name of duty: seeking sponsorship | Headteacher

Dough balls and garlic bread...why does an assistant head find herself negotiating event sponsorship on a Saturday and why are schools having to attract sponsorship to gain specialist status in the first place?

Achieving a fully inclusive school: Brampton Manor | Headteacher

Headteacher Neil Berry explains how Brampton Manor in East London – described by Ofsted in December 1999 as having 'serious weaknesses' – was turned into the fully inclusive, successful school it is today

Learning from business leadership - Jack Welch | Headteacher

Jack Welch became one of the best-known business leaders in the world when, in the 20 years between 1981 and 2001 he turned round the fortunes of General Electric in America, adding four hundred billion dollars to its share value. Here former head Gerald Haigh looks at how his principles can be applied to leadership in schools

The secrets of engaging parents | Headteacher

Anne Clarke, principal of Benton Park Technology College, shares her thoughts on the problems of engaging parents in secondary schools

Making school a safer place | Headteacher

Patrick Ferguson, headteacher of De la Salle Humanities College, Liverpool, looks at the important role effective security plays in school improvement

Exclusion of a violent pupil who has SEN | Headteacher

Legal Surgery answers a question about exclusion of a violent pupil who has SEN

New exclusion rules (part 1): the head teacher's decision | Headteacher

Amid a deluge of new discipline and behaviour provision, the updated exclusions guidance has taken effect. Ingrid Sutherland outlines the changes

How to gather and manage personal data in your school | Headteacher

Data protection law sets firm boundaries around what information you can collect. Educators retain excessive data at their peril, writes Simon White

Legal case notes: interim care order | Headteacher

Michael Segal reports a case of local authority proceedings to obtain care orders for three young siblings

Effective use of primary school data | Headteacher

We live in a data-rich age where almost every aspect of childhood is quantified! School improvement partner, Dave Weston, helps you see the wood from the trees

The importance of reading in primary schools | Headteacher

Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, urges us to make reading our biggest priority

Managing allegations against staff: your area's procedures | Headteacher

Jenni Whitehead examines the new procedures for allegations against staff, which have been in force since January 2007

Leading CPD in schools | Headteacher

Alison Kitson, programme leader in CPD at the TDA, discusses the kinds of questions that you might wish to ask if you were beginning to draw up a role specification for a leader or director of professional learning

Listening to the views of very young children | Headteacher

Some people think that children under five are too young to express opinions, but Sara Bryson and her colleagues found ways of ensuring that babies and children were at the heart of the decision-making process

Every Child Matters - environmental wellbeing | Headteacher

Early Years Update looks at the importance of environmental wellbeing in supporting the five outcomes of Every Child Matters

Early Years Marketing 3: Promoting your setting | Headteacher

In this third article on marketing and promotion, Early Years Update looks at creating a range of promotional material to make potential customers aware of the services you provide

Achieving strategic ICT delivery at Le Rocquier School, Jersey | Headteacher

In 2003, Le Rocquier school had no ICT strategy, no ICT replacement programme, no staff ICT training programme...but by 2007 that had all changed, and ICT is now integral to teaching and learning throughout the school, writes John McGuinness

SLICT: how to integrate ICT in your school | Headteacher

Chris Comber from Leicester University offers curriculum managers exclusive insights into the findings, outlining key factors to integrate ICT throughout teaching and learning

How clear are you about the new safer recruitment guidance? | Headteacher

Safeguarding Children in Education and Safer Recruitment in Education came into force in January 2007. Jenni Whitehead looks at some of the most common confusions expressed by readers in the year since its publication

Coping with stress: situations and contexts | Headteacher

In his final piece on living with the 21st century’s number one killer, Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, considers the cognitive dimension – the way we perceive and relate to stressful situations

How green is your school? | Headteacher

Climate change is in the headlines every day. What are schools doing about this issue? Angela Youngman looks at the Eco-Schools programme

Promoting governor and parent partnership | Headteacher

Former headteacher and current chair of governors Mike Walton argues that a closer relationship between parents and governors will benefit the whole school community

Improving teaching and learning | Headteacher

Roger Smith considers tried and tested ways of improving teaching and learning and a few new ones

A pupil's right to privacy | Headteacher

Which is more important — a pupil's right to privacy, or the public interest in education?

Confiscation, retention and disposal of pupils' property | Headteacher

Seizure of personal effects can interfere with pupils' human rights, so you need to make sure it's done lawfully, writes Ingrid Sutherland

Wif-fi and ICT: benefits and risks | Headteacher

Wireless technology is useful, but raises health concerns. Vicky Lapins looks at schools’ obligations for safer use

Trust schools: the benefits, the law and the future | Headteacher

The option to collaborate with outside partners is under-used — but it offers benefits that educators would be wise to take note of, as Richard Gold explains

Early Years Marketing 2: Knowing your customers | Headteacher

In this second article on marketing and promotion, Early Years Update, looks at how to use market research to find out more about the customers who use your services

Learning federation case study | Headteacher

Martin Ainsworth, headteacher of Wellfield Business and Enterprise College and chairperson of South Ribble Learning Foundation explains how group working has helped 14 educational establishments reduce isolation and increase effectiveness

Is your SLT brittle, blocked, blended or blind? | Headteacher

The advantages of having a ‘blended’ senior leadership team are explained by Ray Chatwin and Maggie Turner, directors of school leadership and management training specialists SISU Professional

Effective governance and excellent leadership | Headteacher

Mo Laycock, Headteacher, Firth Park Community Arts College describes the effective model of governance which has contributed to three Ofsted results of 'outstanding' leadership at the school

Engaging governance: teaching and learning involvement | Headteacher

Rather than see governors as a nuisance to be endured, schools instead should be working with them as an invaluable source of help and advice, argues Colleen Arnold of the National Governors Association

Heads welcome flexibility of the new Key Stage 3 curriculum | Headteacher

Education writer and former head Gerald Haigh talks to Dr Keith Bothamley, deputy head (curriculum) at Horsforth School, and Richard Brown, principal of Minsthorpe Community College in Wakefield, about the new KS3 curriculum

The Key Stage 3 review | Headteacher

Primary headteacher David Dixon applauds many of the changes that the Key Stage 3 review heralds, arguing that many of them will bring about practices already embedded in the best primary schools

Identity, religion and uniform | Headteacher

Heads must know, but not exceed, their powers when it comes to decisions on school dress, says Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant of the Association of School and College leaders (ASCL)

Engaging effectively with outside agencies | Headteacher

Headteacher Anne Clark looks at why it is so important for schools to establish effective links with outside agencies

Leading authentically | Headteacher

John Jackson looks at a new approach to leadership that puts the emphasis on integrity

Creative collaboration in fundraising | Headteacher

Small schools have limited resources and some funding streams can be very restrictive. Paul Ainsworth describes how one group of schools is seeking to overcome these problems

What's your fundraising vision and strategy? | Headteacher

Brin Best explains why your school’s fundraising work will not be truly effective unless it is underpinned by a clear vision and strategy

Dealing with teacher absence | Headteacher

There is no easy solution to the problem of supply cover costs, but more effective management can reduce negative impacts. Ruth Bradbury shares her advice

Case study: bringing about school improvement | Headteacher

Roger Whittall, Headteacher, The Westwood School, Coventry explains the school improvement strategies that have raised attainment and standards at his school

School improvement partners | Headteacher

School improvement partner (and former headteacher) Trevor Arrowsmith explains what the role involves, how schools can benefit and what difference the initiative has made

Legal case notes: emergency care orders | Headteacher

An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) authorises a local authority to remove a child to accommodation provided by the local authority and keep him there

Bridging the gap between health and the early years | Headteacher

Linda Bartholomew and Cathy Kennedy describe their initiative to capitalise on the links which health visitors can create between early years providers and families

Helping young children understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle | Headteacher

Franz Atkinson describes a whole-school approach adopted by a small rural primary school

The importance of healthy eating for young children | Headteacher

Jenni Clarke discusses the important role early years practitioners can play in helping young children to develop good eating habits

Early Years Marketing 1: Creating an image | Headteacher

In the first part of a series on marketing, Early Years Update looks at the vital area of creating an 'image' as part of marketing and promoting your organisation

Finding your way around the Early Years Foundation Stage framework | Headteacher

Early Years Update provides a guided tour of the documents in the new EYFS package

When parents disagree about a child’s school | Headteacher

Michael Segal investigates how far a school can intervene when divorced parents disagree over an educational matter

Physical support in games and PE | Headteacher

Kris Lines surveys this highly litigated area — and suggests a step-by-step approach to safety within the law

Uniform and religion: is your school policy watertight? | Headteacher

Cultural diversity calls for comprehensive policy. But what if it doesn’t cover the case at hand? Use common sense and consultation, says Michael Brotherton

Creativity in the science curriculum | Headteacher

Many of your teachers will not be science specialists. Angela Youngman has been looking at innovative approaches to the teaching of science that help encourage children’s inquisitiveness

Promoting disability equality | Headteacher

All primary schools must have a disability equality scheme in place by December 2007. Margaret Collins offers some practical suggestions to help you meet the challenge

What's new about personalised learning? | Headteacher

Is personalised learning really all that new? Roger Smith investigates

Coping with stress: school leaders | Headteacher

Time is a strictly limited resource – we all have 168 hours in a week. The fact that some people seem to manage to get things done and have time to relax is not down to how they manage their time – it is down to how they manage themselves, argues Steve Mynard

Creating your professional development portfolio | Headteacher

Many school leaders don’t have professional development portfolios. David Morley looks at the benefits of creating one for yourself and the pitfalls to avoid

Cyber-bullying of teachers | Headteacher

Cyber-bullying is on the increase and cannot be ignored, says Patrick Nash, chief executive, Teacher Support Network

Leadership handover | Headteacher

Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) looks at the part that the old head can play in helping the new head to be successful

Key Stage 3 curriculum review | Headteacher

Brian Rossiter, headteacher of Valley School, Worksop, North Nottinghamshire, offers his take on the KS3 curriculum review

Developing 'citizenship-rich' schools | Headteacher

School leaders need a national strategy for citizenship education if they are to build on the excellent practice of those who have grasped citizenship as a tool for school transformation argues Tony Breslin, chief executive of the Citizenship Foundation

Vertical tutoring and the personalisation agenda | Headteacher

Headteacher Peter Kent and deputy Annabel Kay describe how vertical tutoring has moved them towards the extended, cross-age family ethos that they seek to develop within their school

Expectations of governors | Headteacher

Joan Sallis considers the relationship between the headteacher and governor, and explores mutual expectations and issues of respect

Students as partners in learning | Headteacher

Teacher and trainer Michelle McGrath argues that the emphasis on students as partners in their learning is a fundamental challenge to the current model of teaching and will require significant shifts in attitudes at all levels in schools

Educational equalities: raising the stakes | Headteacher

Schools can develop strategies to improve fairness and freedom, says Diane Bebbington

Special needs, education and the local authority duty | Headteacher

Question: How must a local authority assess the special educational needs of a child in its area? What is the extent of the duty?

Discipline: changes to the law reflect tough times for staff | Headteacher

Get set for a raft of changes to legislation and guidance — including rules on use of force, searching and confiscation, writes Ingrid Sutherland

School federations: the law on how to set them up | Headteacher

Joining forces brings benefit, but there are implications for governance, employment, and leadership, writes Mark Blois

CPD in the USA | Headteacher

The USA is huge and diverse but a quick glance at Sam Hughes Elementary School in Tuscon, Arizona, can give some idea of how professional development helps teachers, reports Susan Clark

Searching pupils for weapons | Headteacher

Headteachers have new powers to screen search pupils for offensive weapons and they can delegate them to staff. Jenni Whitehead looks at recent draft guidance explaining how the new powers will operate

Delivering early years services | Headteacher

Looking at the benefits and challenges of different models for providing childcare and early education service in children’s centres and extended schools

Constructivism | Headteacher

Everyone seems to be a constructivist these days, but what do people mean by 'constructivism' and what are the implications for education?

Your responsibilities for administering medicines (part two) | Headteacher

Special needs consultant Patti Turner details the actions you need to take to ensure your school is fully meeting the medicinal needs of all children

Learning to learn: improving the quality of teaching | Headteacher

Kate Wall describes the main findings of the Learning to Learn in Schools Phase 3 project evaluation and looks at some of the implications for schools

Making the most of school profiles | Headteacher

Your school profile communicates essential information to parents. Roger Smith gives tips on how to present that information in a positive way

Coping with stress: the long-term impact | Headteacher

What is the impact of long-term stress on your physical and mental wellbeing? Steve Mynard, editor of Primary Headship, reports

Self-harm: offering young people support | Headteacher

Jessica Peters of the charity YoungMinds lays some common myths about self-harm to rest and explains how schools can support the young people it affects

Coping with stress: the physical and mental effects | Headteacher

Teaching regularly features in the top five most stressful occupations. Former headteacher Steve Mynard explains how to harness the positive effects of stress and prevent it causing physical and mental burnout

Developments in child protection – movement of progress? | Headteacher

The Bichard report has been followed by a flurry of legislation and statutory guidance. Richard Bird looks at what’s changed and what still needs to happen in the world of child protection

Risk management: are you still doing it? | Headteacher

Recognising and minimising risk in the school environment is a vital part of a headteacher’s management role, says former head Roger Smith

Reaping the benefits of going global | Headteacher

As the government increasingly recognises the importance of schools developing international links, headteacher Jim Donnelly looks at how these links can be established and what benefits they bring

A fresh look at reporting and accounting | Headteacher

No organisation can operate effectively without good quality information, provided in good time. Governors need the right sort of information, provided in an accessible format, to play their full part in effective governance. Martin Pounce reports

New powers to outlaw religious discrimination | Headteacher

Schools are being advised to review their policies and practices to make sure that they are not doing anything that discriminates against pupils on the grounds of religion or belief

Adapting behaviour policies to new powers | Headteacher

New guidance on behaviour and discipline in schools hit the headlines during Easter 2007 – largely because of its suggestions on the importance of rewarding good behaviour as well as punishing bad

Putting wellbeing at the centre | Headteacher

Yeading Junior in Hayes has evolved its strategy for putting emotional health and wellbeing at the centre of the curriculum. Headteacher Carole Jones describes how

Primary assembly guidance part three: preparation | Headteacher

Gerald Haigh concludes his series on primary assemblies by giving some tips on preparation, along with some advice on how to deliver an unplanned assembly

Primary assemblies guidance part two: the assembly leader | Headteacher

Gerald Haigh continues his three-part series on primary assemblies by looking at the role of the assembly leader

Primary assemblies guidance part one: values | Headteacher

Gerald Haigh begins a three-part series on primary assemblies by looking at values

Promoting Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) | Headteacher

Judith Harwood, senior regional adviser on the secondary strategy for school improvement, reports on the breadth of the pilot work being undertaken in secondary schools to promote Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL).

Spreading SEBS in Gloucestershire | Headteacher

Heather Clapp, until recently a behaviour and attendance adviser in Gloucestershire, presents thoughts and reflections on one authority’s experiences of engaging with the pilot programme for Social, Emotional and Behavioural Skills (SEBS).

Children’s Hospices call for schools to dive in this Autumn | Headteacher

The Association of Children's Hospices (ACH) – the national voice for children's hospice services – asks schools to celebrate 25 years of children's hospice care through the Butterfly Swimathon.

A classroom of the future? | Headteacher

The CPR Learning Space is a building with a 'wow' factor, providing services to schools and the wider community. Jane West looks at its development

Playground fights: duty to contact parents | Headteacher

Could the school be held liable for negligence if it doesn't tell parents after an incident?

Health services in extended schools: new legal liability? | Headteacher

What are the legal implications of greater collaborative working between education and health care professionals, asks Amelia Newbold

Case study: implementing the International Baccalaureate | Headteacher

A detailed look at how the IB has been launched in one school, by Rob Ford, Head of International Education and International Baccalaureate, The Ridings High School, Bristol

Delivering the International Baccalaureate: a curriculum with a world identity | Headteacher

An outline of the content of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and what schools need to consider when deciding to apply to deliver the curriculum it offers. By Tristian Stobie

High-quality environments for learning | Headteacher

Practitioners need to consider the way that space and resources can be used to encourage children’s investigations. Pat Brunton and Linda Thornton explain

Dealing effectively with complaints | Headteacher

How do you respond if a parent starts complaining about your setting or your staff? Steve Mynard advises that you start with prevention

Including disabled children | Headteacher

A useful update on the current law regarding discrimination is provided by Patti Turner

Observing classroom assistants | Headteacher

How can you make judgements about the performance of your assistants when they are in the room working alongside a teacher/ practitioner? Kevin Bullock provides one solution

Global citizenship in school | Headteacher

As the world in which we live comes closer together in some ways and further apart in many, Margaret Collins suggests ways in which we in schools can help to make it a better place

Coping with stress: the body's responses | Headteacher

Being more aware of mind and body is the key to managing stress says Steve Mynard

Making the most of your TAs | Headteacher

The relationship between teachers and teaching assistants is a changing one. Angela Youngman investigates and offers guidance to ensure effectiveness

Your responsibility for administering medicines | Headteacher

Does your school have an effective policy on the administration of medication to children? Special needs consultant Patti Turner looks at some of the problems that can arise and the ways to avoid them

Learning mentors improve behaviour | Headteacher

This article examines the role of the learning mentor and how they can be deployed in the school for the benefit of the whole learning community. David Morley reports

How inclusive is your school? | Headteacher

Vision into Practice – Ensuring Every Child Matters is a self-evaluation tool for inclusive learning. Trish Lowson, school link officer for Inclusive Learning at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, explains

Working with the media | Headteacher

Schools' relationships with the media are increasingly important. Brian Rossiter, headteacher of Valley School, Worksop, North Nottinghamshire describes his approach

Students as researchers: making a difference | Headteacher

The contribution of students as researchers (STARS) to students’ learning and to school development can have numerous benefits. David Lucas and Dr Margaret Wood recount their experience at Deptford Green secondary school

18 months of the new relationship with schools | Headteacher

What affect has the new relationship with schools (NRwS) had to date on schools and school improvement? Headteacher Trevor Bailey takes a critical look at its impact

Learner identities under pressure | Headteacher

The pressures created by a high-performance culture made it difficult for the children at one primary school to learn and collaborate. Tamara Bibby, a lecturer at the Institute of Education in London, explains

Teachers' relationships in the workplace | Headteacher

The relationship of teachers in the workplace is an under-researched area. Educational psychologist Kairen Cullen discusses her study

Becoming a bank account school | Headteacher

We begin a series of best practice advice features with a look at the implications of a school having its own bank account

Moving forward with falling numbers | Headteacher

Sharon Wallwork provides comprehensive advice on dealing with a decline in student numbers. She argues that, far from being something that only schools in specific circumstances should be concerned about, all educational institutions need to assess the risks of declining numbers and the huge financial implications this can bring

Networking for whole-school improvement - case study | Headteacher

In 2003, Blackburn with Darwen’s secondary schools decided to apply to become one of the National College for School Leadership’s (NCSL) Networked Learning Communities (NLCs). John Westwell, Des Callaghan, Joanne Emberton and Jenny England describe the background to that decision and how the Leading into Learning NLC has developed into a major force for professional development and improved attainment in Blackburn with Darwen.

Making connections: networking to improve teaching and learning | Headteacher

Barbara Spender outlines the benefits for students that can come from schools collaborating with each other in a formal partnership where staff give mutual support and share resources

Unfair dismissal: what evidence is allowed? | Headteacher

Q: Can an employee who secretly taped a disciplinary hearing use the tape as evidence at a tribunal?

Looked-after children: new law improves education rights | Headteacher

Schools will have to be more aware of these particularly vulnerable children when they review policy and practice, writes Ingrid Sutherland

Legal basics for teachers: Charities Act 2006 update for independent schools | Headteacher

Proving public benefit will be essential if you want to retain tax exemptions, write William Colacicchi and Mark Blois

Extended services call for a rethink of occupier's liability | Headteacher

As schools open their doors to new categories of visitor, they must take an audit of risk and danger on the premises, writes Sarah Freeston.

Speaking school finances: Should managers become heads? | Headteacher

Can - and indeed should - someone from a background other than teaching become a school leader? Join this growing debate

Study calls for reform of governing bodies | Headteacher

An independent report compiled for the government has suggested that a number of key aspects of school governance need to be reformed.

Communicating with parents: hidden messages | Headteacher

Do you always know what messages your parents are taking away with them? Carole Farrar examines some of the messages that you may be giving out.

Community cohesion - will history help? | Headteacher

‘Community cohesion’ is now a legal obligation on school governors and we must make the best of it, says Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL). He asks how teaching of history could contribute to this objective.

Managing your image | Headteacher

Working to promote a positive image for your school can be a powerful tool for school improvement and can provide a focus for staff efforts on many fronts, argues Brin Best, education writer and director of Innovation for Education Ltd.

Secrets of a high achieving school | Headteacher

Kim Sparling, headteacher at Oldfield School in Bath, analyses the ingredients of her school's high achievements

Supporting low-attaining schools | Headteacher

Sue Pidgeon, National Strategies primary senior regional adviser, and Karen Jarmany, National Strategies primary regional adviser, explain how the Intensifying Support Programme works to raise standards in low-attaining schools.

Fundraising: a force for change | Headteacher

Fundraising should be seen as a powerful means of school improvement, rather than an isolated activity carried out by the Parent Teacher Association, argues Brin Best, education writer and director of Innovation for Education Ltd

How inclusive is your school? | Headteacher

Trish Lowson, school link officer for inclusive learning at Calderdale metropolitan borough council, introduces Vision into Practice – Ensuring Every Child Matters, a self-evaluation tool for inclusive learning.

Risk management - are you still doing it? | Headteacher

Recognising and minimising risk in the school environment is a vital part of a headteacher’s management role, says former head Roger Smith.

The evolving role of the headteacher | Headteacher

David Dixon adds his voice to the debate about the role of the headteacher in today's schools and suggests that ‘fast-track’ and non-teaching heads may be the poorer for missing out on the daily detail of school life

Making medical consultations work | Headteacher

Malcolm Rigler and David Loshak outline strategies to improve young people’s health.

The economic benefit of going green | Headteacher

Sima Goldsmith considers the environmental and financial implications of the sustainable schools agenda

Managing sickness absence | Headteacher

Ruth Bradbury outlines the cost of staff absence to schools and explains how a range of practical measures can help staff to maintain a better attendance record for the benefit of themselves and the school.

Investors in People in primary schools | Headteacher

Nina Siddle explains how one school in East Yorkshire found widespread benefits from engaging with the Investors in People programme

The work-life balance of heads | Headteacher

Pat Barnes, education consultant and former head, urges headteachers to take a fresh look at their work-life balance.

Male teachers: role models in the classroom | Headteacher

Bob Jelley argues that success is essential since, for many youngsters, a teacher may be one of the most significant male role models in their lives.

When can a bullied child stay off school? | Headteacher

Q - SOMETIMES a child suffers so badly from bullying that parents keep her at home. But is this legally justified?

Engaging parents: developing equal partnerships to support learning | Headteacher

A Case Study: Anita Brown, Deputy Headteacher, Ponteland Community High School, Northumberland.

Counselling: a powerful but limited tool | Headteacher

Counselling is often touted as a solution to challenging behaviour and as a way of meeting needs that are beyond the scope of a school’s pastoral care mechanisms. But is it? Adrian King, independent health education consultant and qualified counsellor looks at what it can realistically deliver.

School excellence and Investors in People | Headteacher

Working to meet the standards laid down by Investors in People (IIP) is an effective way of raising standards and improving staff morale, argues former head Roger Smith.

Pupil registration: the new regulations and guidance | Headteacher

New rules call for closer cooperation between local authority and school, giving increased protection to children at risk, writes Ingrid Sutherland.

School visits abroad: invaluable to pupils and staff | Headteacher

Headteachers Anne Clarke and Annabelle Guyver analyse the benefits that trips abroad bring to participating pupils and to the staff leading them.

Tackling the modern languages crisis | Headteacher

At the end of last year Sir Ron Dearing’s interim Languages Review was published. Headteacher Jim Donnelly looks at what he had to say and the suggestions for a way forward.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: An overview | Headteacher

Christian Webb-Jenkins, of Browne Jacobson LLP, discusses the act.

New headship: taking on the role | Headteacher

Bringing school and community expectations into line with national priorities and targets is just one of the many challenges facing new heads. Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), charts the road to success.

Managing your image | Headteacher

Energy awareness: the European connection | Headteacher

Involvement in European energy awareness projects can bring a multitude of benefits to the pupils and staff of schools, as well as to the planet, says headteacher David Dixon.

Personalisation as a core principle | Headteacher

How can personalisation work in practice? Headteacher Paula Allen spoke to Bob Cox to explain how it’s done at Dorney Combined School.

Family-friendly working: do you know the rules? | Headteacher

New maternity and flexible working rights mean employers must brush up on the law, says Derek Eccleston.

Exclusion from independent schools | Headteacher

No matter how watertight the contract with parents, schools must implement it correctly and fairly if they want removal of a pupil to be upheld, says Mark Blois.

Achieving true parental involvement | Headteacher

Reticence to engage with parents on the part of schools can be deep-seated. Teachers may not be aware of the benefits that parents can bring to the learning experience and the students may not realise that they will benefit too. Julie McGrane looks at how parental engagement can be initiated and how schools can find the forms of engagement that work best.

Leaving the scene: but the play must go on | Headteacher

Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), analyses the vital role an outgoing head has to play in the succession process.

Welcoming and integrating new teachers into our schools: part 2 | Headteacher

In the second of two articles exploring what helps new teachers feel welcome in a school, teacher Colin Smith looks at how social relations and the delivery of lessons impact on their experience.

Exploring new models of governance | Headteacher

In a recent edition of School Governor Update David Marriott explored whether there was a future for governance.

Report shows way forward for curriculum development | Headteacher

Learners tend to have a narrow view of the relevance of the curriculum and their enjoyment of it decreases across the key stages. These are two of the key findings of an NfER review of the research on pupils’ experiences of and perspectives on the curriculum published in the UK between 1989 and 2005.

It's harder to stop than to start! | Headteacher

A proposed change in the law would raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco. Peter Downes discusses the implications for schools.

Dealing with child protection issues: coping with involvement | Headteacher

If Jane’s story was true she had to be removed from a situation where she was at risk. But if it wasn’t true, was there a danger of making things even worse? A former teacher describes the tensions generated by the problem. Names and details have been changed to protect anonymity.

Creativity in the curriculum | Headteacher

A school with creativity at the heart of the learning process will benefit by increasing the motivation of staff and pupils, says former head, Dave Weston. In this article and case study, he shows the way to more imaginative approaches to curriculum planning.

The impact of extended schools on G&T students | Headteacher

Casterton Business and Enterprise College (CBEC) is the hub of local learning, offering 11-16 education by day and a wide range of recreational and academic activities for young people and adults in the evenings and at weekends

Extended schools: what impact on G&T? | Headteacher

What does ‘extended school’ mean to politicians, teachers and parents and what will it mean for more able pupils? Deputy head Paul Ainsworth explains

Gifted and talented in Northern Ireland | Headteacher

Until recently G&T education was piecemeal and largely ignored in Northern Ireland. David Ryan describes the start of a strategy for G&T education at Belfast’s Education and Library Board.

Permanent exclusion of a pupil with SEN | Headteacher

QUESTION: What considerations should we apply when considering permanent exclusion of a pupil with special educational needs?

Exclusions: the new guidance and regulations explained | Headteacher

Schools should take note of new reporting and training requirements, as well as changes to appeal panel representation rights, says Ingrid Sutherland.

Mixed messages on inclusion policy | Headteacher

The House of Commons Education and Skills Select Committee undertook a major review of special education in 2005-2006 and published a report that asked the government to clarify its policy on inclusive education. This article summarises the questions that the Select Committee asked, outlines the government response to these, and provides a brief analysis of this response.

Getting the best from classroom observation | Headteacher

Former headteacher Roger Smith examines the impact of performance management guidelines – in particular the changes to classroom observation – and how they can be made to work.

Exclusions: guidance and legislation from the top | Headteacher

Exclusion is now one of the main ways of dealing with extreme behaviour. Headteacher Suzanne O’Connell examines recent guidance and legislation on the subject.

Seeking strengthened leadership and capacity | Headteacher

Headteacher Trevor Bailey explains why Worle Community School and Westhaven Community Special School, both members of the Weston-Super-Mare Federation, have jointly entered the Trust School Pathfinder programme and what benefits he hopes becoming trust schools will bring.