Tell me your worst/best new Head stories!

[MeanzBeanz]

We have a new (primary) headteacher starting in September.

We are not a failing school, and are doing well, so they have not been brought in to 'save' us. Our current head is retiring and the deputy doesn't want to do it! We are Good, and they will be wanting to get us to Outstanding I imagine. The recruitment process before Christmas was pretty intense and I feel like will give them a good idea of what sort of school we are. But once they're in, they're basically king of the school, aren't they?

I love my school and am really worried. But we also have things we could improve, which could happen under new leadership.

Reassure me/frighten me more?

We have just had this exact situation in my secondary school and it's been gone. Obviously only been 6 weeks, but new head had mostly watched and learned about the school. Where he's done anything it's been small and well considered/ discussed.

I'm hoping anyone sensible wouldn't come in with all guns blazing - at least until they see how things work and why they work for this school and these kids. As I say, we're a good school, so there's no need to change loads of stuff straight away.

My school is very good on workload, so that's a big worry for me.

Surely, anyone coming in should know what the priorities are from the SDP. Knowing that, they should then watch, listen and communicate with all the staff to start with. It’s not as if it’s a failing school that needs dramatic change quickly.

But do expect that the new incumbent will want to put their stamp on things in the not too distant future.

OP- it sounds like you work at my little ones school! 🤣

I hope your new head is great!