Just taken a hit to self esteem. Didn’t get DH after being acting head/ head. New Head , who hasn’t started yet, so I have been doing both jobs, had been head of a smaller school and brought a member of her old staff, a part timer who had left their old school to come to my school. Part timer had been a deputy head but left, then went part time in a different school .I was internal DH candidate as acting deputy head but didn’t get it so am looking for new school. I was interviewed for acting DH and was told I had a brilliant interview so decided to apply for permanent . I do think it was cut and dried, obviously new head wanted her own DH . I had a really good assessment, better than candidate I was told but I was told I didn’t answer one interview question as they hoped. Pity I hadn’t had interview questions beforehand. Yes bitter but hurt and self esteem has taken a knock but will look for new school. Advice move schools more often. You can stay in same school too long. You are not irreplacable .