ABSTRACT
The School Teachers’ Review body in its 30th report noted that there is a growing challenge in retaining experienced classroom teachers and those in leadership roles, creating an ‘unfolding crisis in leadership supply’. After nearly 40 years in school leadership, 27 as headteacher, one might imagine that it is easy to forget the early days of headship. Asking five newly appointed headteachers to record their first 100 days in post gave an insight to their individual journeys with the highs and lows. There is a fine balance to be made in supporting strategic thinking but also allowing staff to own their subject or area of responsibility. The leadership elements and self-reflection were found to be particularly useful in supporting a new head and the SLT during challenging times. In terms of CPD, it was felt that the programs could be part of the performance management/appraisal process of a deputy.
