So school’s been sold

[DanSullivan]

I’ve worked at a lovely little independent school for several years. It’s just been sold. New owner, new head (with no teaching experience) literally overnight. Anyone else been in this position? Good/bad experiences? I’m a nervous wreck!

I guess this is a hazard of choosing to teach in a private school.

I have taught in small private schools and I have sat as a governor at a large private school (albeit a not for profit school)

The new head with no teaching experience would worry me more than the new owner.
The new owner (if they have any business sense at all) will not want massive changes unless the school is failing and unless you are in an area with a real shortage of private places, they won't want parents voting with their feet.

It might be fine. But a "lovely little" school is likely to not be financially viable long term with the current business model and some changes may have to be made for the school to survive.

I've worked at a small private school (overseas) where the owner and principal was a) the same man b) no teaching experience. It was a nightmare.

Not been in this position but keeping my fingers crossed for you- it’s a situation I’d hope never to be in but nothing’s guaranteed in this climate. Hope you get some constructive input soon. Not helpful Tubetop!

No educational experience is a worry. It doesn’t mean the school will close but could mean the school loses its character.

Saying that, it is unlikely the school would have been sold unless it was in trouble.

Get your CV out into hyperspace, while the dust settles, but keep an open mind.

AFAIK, the head has to be a teacher in order to be part of ISA, or other independent umbrella organisation.

If the head is not a Teacher, expect a knock on the door from OFSTED, something that no independent school wants to hear.

I imagine your new proprietor will put in a figurehead head, while the proprietor exercises tight finincial control. They won’t be playing economic game theory.

I would start looking for a new position ASAP. I have experience of working in a very similar set up and the arrogance of the Head with no teaching experience was unbelievable and unworkable.
You will feel loyal to your pupils and parents and will feel conflicted in making a move to a new post, but put yourself first on this occasion and start applying now.

Totally agree, stunner.

Thanks for responding, everyone.
I’m very uncomfortable with being managed by someone who has never taught. How can they possibly conduct lesson observations to improve practice without knowing the job themselves?
We had Ofsted last year, but it seems extremely likely they’ll be coming again soon, following a change in management. So that’s something to look forward to. 🤦‍♀️

I’m definitely looking for a new job, but I’m nervous about that! I don’t know if I could cope in a state school now, after years in the independent sector! A class of thirty sounds insane!

Stay in the independent sector.