Headteacher resigning - how is that going to go !!

[HappilyEducateme]

Just a quick one.
Our head had just resigned, what is involved in the process of the new head coming in. What are people experiences, do they find the new one has a cross over period, do they change a lot just to put their stamp on the role and do OFSTED get more involved on the school through this period ??

What's your experience ?

I am a HT - I took up my post in September 2007 so just over 15 years ago now. I stepped up in the school from Deputy.
In regards to HT recruitment, I remember when my Head tendered his resignation; it was around Christmas 2006 when he told the CoG and the recruitment process began in early 2007 as for external candidates there is usually a lengthy notice period.
I applied and was interviewed for the role (had three stages to the interview) and was offered the role in late March/ early April where then the handover process between myself and my old HT began - it was easier as I was internal and already in the school.

A February departure isn’t much notice at all and I don’t think you’ll get a permanent HT until at least the Summer or Autumn term unless the current Deputy in school is applying? If they aren’t or not successful in the permanent role, it is most likely that they will become acting headteacher or failing that, a deputy or headteacher from a local school will come in to cover the role until the permanent candidate is available to start.
Nothing else will really change to be honest for now.

I have experienced several changes to head teachers, including the sad death of one fabulous head, just after we got ’the call.’ Ofsted agreed not to visit and our previous head came out of retirement to be acting head. It took a long time to find a new head, but once they took over, only minimal positive changes occurred.

When heads have resigned, and new heads joined, changes were slow and gradual. Yes, some people left, but generally they were the ones who weren’t a particular good fit for each school, but have gone on to have successful careers in others.

The head at my current school is likely to retire in the next few years, but it is clear that one of our deputy heads is being coached to take over. Obviously this position will be open to external candidates, but our internal one will take some beating. They are awesome at what they do and very approachable, so I feel this will be a positive move if it happens.