Progressing from HoD to AHT.

[DevonshireDumpling1]

Hi all,

Just wanted some advice from those in SLT really.

I have been at my current school for coming up to 12 years this year - I started there as an NQT and was appointed as a HoD in 2019. My first two years in that role was unprecedented for sure with COVID and a lot of change which I handled well given that I was an inexperienced HoD.

Cut a long story short, the MAT that my school is in has announced that they’re changing the leadership structure within schools and essentially eradicating the HoD role and replacing it with a Curriculum Support Leader role - less autonomy as a HoD as the CSL’s will report into Head of Curriculum.

I feel that I’ve been in my role long enough now and I’m ready to move on and step up. There is an Assistant Head vacancy in a nearby school that I think I could do well in - any tips or advice - I’ve not applied for an external role since I joined this school and as an aspiring HT I feel I need to gain more experience in other schools.

☺️Thanks

Are you HoD of a core subject?

Can you see the school before making an application? Go and get a feel for it and then speak to your headteacher before making a formal application.
You’ve been at the same school for 12 years and doing the same role for 6 so it’s inevitable that you’ll be looking for your next move soon.

It’s a good time for you to move on and progress into SLT - especially with the restructure I think you’ll be bored as less autonomy than you have now.