Moving to SLT- should I?

[quickchange1]

Anyone recommend or dissuade me? I’ve had a few interviews and my Head said that would really help me decide whether it’s right for me. Didn’t get the first one and was quite relieved as I felt the school didn’t ’fit’, got good feedback. Didn’t get the 2nd and I was disappointed, despite the longer commute.

Context- teaching 20+years, middle management for 15, done NPQ and taken extra responsibilities. Feel I’ve achieved everything I wanted to at HOD level and don’t want to stagnate or coast until retirement.

Do I leave a job I like in a school I love. Shall I keep applying and let fate intervene. Any Senior Leaders willing to outline the Pros and Cons? TIA

Depends how much release time you get, the areas of responsibility and which is year group (how much marking) you're teaching.
I was SLT. Was going T go back but have decided it's not worth it for the limited extra cash. Depends if you're already UPS.

15 years in a HoD is solid experience to move into a SLT role. Sometimes you do have to move around in your career. It gives you more exposure and more experience in other environments.
Use the interviews you’ve had as experience and always get the feedback so you know how to flourish next time. If you keep getting rejected for the same reason then I’d hang fire on the applications for a year to use that time to develop.

You could also have a conversation with your line manager and see what support and development they can give you. Around about now is the ‘heat’ time for staff having interviews so they can resign by the 31/10 deadline ready for a January start…
That said, schools will also be looking to fill roles from now onwards for an April 2025 start.

In regards to the pros/cons, it all depends on the individual school and the set up to the SLT.
I have been a HT for the last 17 years, my first headship, I had to establish my SLT back then as we had a number of vacancies; one from my promotion and a couple of retirees. Everyone had set responsibilities across the whole school and it worked well.

You sound similar to me in terms of experience though I had less time as a HOD. I moved into SLT a while ago and really enjoy the challenge and the whole school focus. Downsides are losing free time in school because there is always something on, plus more meetings and you will have to attend everything after school as opposed to selected events. Overall, very happy I went for it. Good luck!