Professional developmet (staff)

Sabbatical term prior to taking up Headship

Project description

The Governors of Nottingham High School appointed me as Headmaster as an internal candidate. I was then given a sabbatical term prior to taking up the post to prepare myself. During this term I attended a number of courses (some run by IPD, some by ASCL as well as spending a superb week attending the Managing People Effectively Course at Cranfield Business School). In addition to this, I also spent some time preparing various projects for when I took over - in doing this I worked from home. I also took the opportunity of visiting some other schools.

Benefits

This was an excellent move by the Governors of Nottingham High School. It meant that I started my new role refreshed and to a certain extent renewed. My successor as Deputy started as I went on sabbatical so he has had a chance to get to know the School before working in tandem with me. Above all, it means that I have attended so many useful courses without it taking me away from my duties as Headmaster. I was able to tailor the programme to suit my own needs and build in some time for reflection. With Headship appointments occurring so long before taking up post, I would heartily recommend other schools to consider giving their new Heads a similar dispensation. The costs involved are easily counter-balanced by the gains both for the School and for the new Head personally.

School

Contact

Email