Aspiring HT - How long to progress?

[DevonshireDumpling1]

Hi all -

I’m aspiring to be a headteacher in the future - so much so that in September I will be starting my new role as an Assistant Headteacher.

I just wanted to hear from HTs / former HTs how long did it take them to progress from an NQT/ECT to the role itself.

I began my teaching career in 2013 so I’ve been in teaching for 12 years now - I was a HoD since 2019 and now stepping up - my plan is to spend 2/3 years at AHT level and then progress to Deputy - spending the same amount of time before hopefully becoming a headteacher.

The time has never been right until now to progress into SLT - and whilst I spent more years than some in the classroom - I’m more than excited to start my next role.

Thanks ☺️

I took up my first headship post in 2003 - I had been in education for 17 years by that point and I was 39 years old. I had spent a solid 5 years as Deputy before I become a Headteacher - many heads race to the top and they step up too early and they end up leaving the profession because they’re out of their depth. Experience is absolutely key to being successful in the role.

I wouldn’t put a timescale on things and you don’t want to just progress for the sake of it - the school has got to be right for you - as well as you being the right leader for it.

Good luck in your new AHT role and take it in your stride!!!

Surely it depends on experience and areas of strategic lead? I’m an AHT leading on 3 key areas and feel I need a few more years under my belt before even looking at DH. Have you lead on more curriculum/ T&L or pastoral/ safeguarding?

Primary or secondary? The path tends to look very different in different phases.