Looking for some advice on an upcoming HOD role at my current school. I have been working with the outgoing department lead for 7 years now (there is only 2 of us in the department) and she recently announced her resignation (she is retiring). I approached the head and expressed my interest in the role. I have been told that it will be advertised externally (which is HR policy on all leadership roles) however, there have been internal promotions without advertising at my school before. Note- I work in an independent school.
I am going to be applying for the role but would love some advice from anyone who has done this before. What could I do to improve my chances? Is there anything that would potentially put me at a disadvantage? My HOD did mention she felt my age could work against me which was a hard pill to swallow as I have been in education for nearly a decade now.
I have been working towards this role for many years now and have signed up for any extra work the school has presented me. However, I am feeling very down on my chances (I don't know if this is justified) and trying not to talk myself out before I have even applied!