How To Run A School (a Manual For School Leadership)

Headteachers must have a view on every aspect of running a school and be able to justify a set of values. This essential text considers every aspect of leading a school, from the technical to the visionary, enabling you to support the best holistic educational outcomes for children.

Headteachers need to have a view on every possible aspect of running a school and be able to justify and articulate a set of values that tie into their vision. This essential text considers every aspect of leading a school, from the technical to the visionary, enabling you to support the best holistic educational outcomes for children.

Written by experienced Headteacher and best-selling author, Andrew Hampton, the book examines school leadership from four angles – how to lead pupils, staff, parents and Governors. Full of practical strategies to help readers respond to the challenges and dilemmas of running a school, the chapters provide valuable insights into key topics such as inspection, behaviour, curriculum, crisis management, safeguarding, budgeting, and parent partnerships. Throughout, there is a focus on building personal and professional resilience and ways to become emotionally robust.

Written for new and aspirant Headteachers across the primary and secondary phases, as well as experienced Heads looking for fresh solutions, How to Run a School will enable you to hone your vision and values and project your leadership with certainty and authenticity.

Part 1: The Headteacher 1. Who is the Headteacher? Establishing Vision and Values 2. Vision and Values – An Audit and Development Tool 3. Finding Balance Part 2: Children 4. It’s All About the Kids 5. Pupil Voice 6. Mental Health and Wellbeing of Pupils 7. Safeguarding 8. Behaviour 9. Behaviour – A Personal View 10. Bullying 11. Policy Writing 12. Finding Balance and Working with Children Part 3: Staff 13. Being a Unique Employer 14. Leadership Style 15. Leadership Competencies 16. Technology in School 17. Managing Teaching and the Curriculum 18. Managing Non-Teaching Staff 19. Money and How to Use It 20. School Development Planning 21. Crisis Management 22. Crisis Management – A Case Study 23. Assessment and Data 24. Appraisal 25. Finding Balance and Managing Staff Part 4: Parents and Partnership 26. Creating Partnerships Between Parents and the School 27. Dealing with Complaints 28. Reporting to Parents 29. Working with the Parent-Teacher Association 30. Finding Balance and Working with Parents Part 5: The Top Layer 31. Working with the Top Layer 32. Integrating the Top Layer with the School 33. Finding Balance and Working with the Top Layer 34. 5th Estate – Inspectors Conclusion 35. The Really Useful Chapter 36. Is it All Worth it? - A Personal Summary Post Script 37. How to Run an Education System

"Andrew Hampton has crafted a book that does exactly what it says on the cover. He has synthesised his years of Headship experience, knowledge and skill into this accessible yet erudite text. Highly recommended for those aspiring to Headship and those already there.”

Dr David Paterson, Assistant Head

“A great read whether you are new to headship or have been in headship for some time. Andrew’s thoughts make you reflect and challenge your own practice.”

Emma Stanhope, Vice Principal

“Clear, well-written and frank, Andrew Hampton’s new book provokes reflection and constructive debate, both of which are extremely useful.”

Dr Jill Berry, Consultant in Educational Leadership

“This easy-to-read guide has helped me step into the shoes of a new headteacher, offering a fresh perspective on leading and guiding a team of staff and children. Its honest and realistic view is incredibly refreshing,