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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Job decision fatigue

4 replies

BlueOtter9 · 02/01/2026 21:23

Ive applied for the role of a Lead Prac. Now, I'm very torn, I’ve been to see the school, I've spoken with the head of dept and I've observed an intervention and gained quite a lot of info about the school.

The only small issue is, I find the LP structure a bit confusing. My manager is the assistant head and not the head of dept? I have currently taken on a leadership role where I am working at the moment but I’m looking to transition into something else that’s slightly different to the trajectory I had planned.

I have been a head of department before too and I did enjoy having authority over certain decisions. Does that change with LP roles? Are they a bit less respected in that sense?

I have now also seen another role outside of teaching but still in education. I’ve spoken with the recruitment team there too and now I’m also interested in that opportunity.

This post probably looks like a “mish-mash” of everything so please do excuse me, but if anyone is able to chime in and offer me any advice about what LP roles are typically like , it would help.

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 04/01/2026 11:25

I'm a lead practitioner but my role is very much whole school, as is the other one in my school. I have a great deal of autonomy.

My HOD is not my line manager - the deputy head is.

BlueOtter9 · 10/01/2026 10:29

MrsHamlet · 04/01/2026 11:25

I'm a lead practitioner but my role is very much whole school, as is the other one in my school. I have a great deal of autonomy.

My HOD is not my line manager - the deputy head is.

Thats good to know. I do have a couple of questions: What does a typical day look like for you? What type of influence do you have? In terms of the authority between the HoD and yourself, how are you respected in your team?

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 10/01/2026 13:07

No such thing as a typical day!
Lots of teaching, obviously.
Meetings. Observations. Coaching. Writing schemes of work. Supporting staff.
I report to the DHT and often directly to the head. I work with other SLT and HoDs.
I'm respected because I can and do do the things I expect others to do. And I work bloody hard and don't shirk responsibilities or tough conversations.
It's hard work but I love it .

MrsHamlet · 10/01/2026 14:14

I should also point out that it can be very difficult - rarely a week goes by when I don't have to deal with colleagues who are struggling. You have to be able to be really flexible and open.

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