How much is a good school all about the Head?

[StarkAndWitchesWillFindYou]

Went to see a school today that has a new head. Everything about it was very impressive except the Head who was a bit of a bullshitter and a little arrogant.

The school and reputation is based on the efforts of the previous head.

How likely is this to be a good/bad choice of school?

Our ds has SN so it is quite important that we get the provision right, although the SENCO was excellent.

No she's been there for about 10 years. So the success is hers. Although today I found out 3 year 1 parents I know are having tutoring already so that must be pretty widespread too.

There was a TV programme recently that said 50% of London children have tutoring. So that may be widespread everywhere.

If you have a child with SN, then I would say the Head is more than usually important. You are likely to need more support than just a good teacher, the head's attitude is vital. Have had bad experiences with SN and arrogant head: in the end, the teachers' experience counted for very little as they were not allowed or encouraged to go the extra mile.

The Head is all important. A good staff can operate well, despite the Head, but they get fed up and are likely to leave. Everyone needs to be pulling the same way, staff, pupils, governors and parents and the Head is vital in keeping them all together with inspiring leadership. I know a school where the Head got outstanding for leadership in the last Ofsted but it is a very unhappy school, she get the results,is fantastic at paperwork, but is hell to work for.

We decided against our nearest school (and the default choice for most people) because of the Head, he didn't smile with his eyes and didn't seem to really know who the two pupils were who had shown us round even though they were both sixth formers and one of whom had been at the school since he was three.

It is always difficult when the school on paper seems to tick all the boxes and when (in our case) it is the choice of a lot of other people locally, but you have to go on your own feelings as to what is right for your child.

Thanks everyone. I'll make sure I have a look at other schools then and weight it all up. I'll also attend one of the fundraising evenings to get to know the parents etc.

Brilliant advice. Thanks.