On Tuesday March 13, 2007, the TES hosted an online careers clinic. Those looking for advice on making the move to a senior management team or headship asked John Howson a variety of questions.

Topics covered:

Maternity leave
I'm 36 and worried about career progression
Can I apply for NPQH?
Is there a headteacher shortage?
Advice on returning to the UK to teach

Q. CS Challis

I am in my second year of teaching science at a secondary school. I have taken responsibility this year for promoting science across the school (it is a specialist science school). Ideally, I see my career following the path of KS3 science coordinator, Head of Science, Assistant Head Teacher and beyond! However, I am unsure of how to go about getting the experience I need to do this. It is a well run department and there are already good KS3 and KS4 science managers in place.

A. John Howson

Hello CSChallis. Promoting science across the school may be as valuable as being a key stage co-ordinator. If these posts are filled at your school then you may need to change schools to advance your career. This is one of the tensions teachers seeking advancement face. Do I stay or do I go? In the end, if you want a career, then you may have to move to the jobs rather than expect to find them in the school where you are currently working. If you do so, that is a bonus.

Q. Jo Watson

Before I went on maternity leave I was acting head of a large infant school. On my return, I applied for flexible working. This was agreed for my substantive post as deputy at 0.6fte. The school where I work will be closing in August 08. I will still want to work part time at this point but would really like to continue in a leadership role. I've been actively looking for work for a year now and have yet to see any suitable part time positions. Any ideas?

A. John Howson

Hi Jo. There was a part time deputy headship in a primary school advertised last Friday in TES jobs. However, I have to confess that they are fairly thin on the ground and over the course of the past year, I doubt whether I’ve counted more than a handful of job share posts at a senior level. You could apply for full-time jobs stating you only want to work for 0.6 of the week and asking whether they would consider a job share on the classroom teacher part of the role. This could actually save the school money, as they would be paying you the deputy heads salary but the classroom teacher only possibly as little as .M1 on the main teacher scale. This might appeal to some schools that are short of cash. You may be able to identify them by looking to see who is offering below the market rate for deputy headships. This often means a school with a budget crisis.

Sadly, teaching at more senior levels is not very friendly to flexible working despite all the brouhaha about work life balance and an increasingly feminised workforce.

Maternity pay and leave advice

Q. Lynne

I've done the NPQH & have had several interviews for Assistant Head posts. However, I've not been successful at any of them - have come a close second or been pipped at the post. I've allowed this rejection to erode my confidence and am coming to the conclusion that I might as well give up. It doesn't help that I'm in my late forties, so I think I've also been a victim of ageism. I know I can do the job, but my interview techniques, possibly presentation skills, need working on, along with techniques in developing my self-belief. Any ideas?

A. John Howson

Dear Lynne. I’m sorry you’ve been unsuccessful but do keep trying. One thing you can do is to make sure that you have some practice interviews with a friend or colleague who has experience of interviewing staff and can be brutally honest about both how you fill in an application form and your potential performance at interview. From your question it suggests that you might not be assertive enough and I mean assertive and not confrontational in an interview. It is a selling moment when you have to make those interviewers that you are the best person for the job. This goes on throughout the whole of the process even if it is only supposed to happen in formal situations. Interviewers cannot help but make judgements when they meet candidates.

You are worried that being in your late 40s isn’t helping. It is certainly older than the average for assistant headship posts. I wonder why having done the NPQH you aren’t aiming higher for deputy headship or even headship posts.

Q. Molaine

I want to become a head of department. For the last two years, I have been a mentor for student teachers - I also have a whole school remit in formative assessment. What else can I do to make myself desirable as a prospective PT?

What sort of in-service should I be undertaking - are there any independent management trainers or should I stick to in house?

I'm worried about the lack of jobs - I’m 36 at present, what if no jobs are forthcoming until I'm 40. Does age matter?

A. John Howson

Dear Molaine. I don't think 36 is too old to be worrying about finding a job as head of department. There will be many heads of department retiring in the next few years so there should be plenty of opportunities. As to what sort of in-service courses you should be taking it really depends on what’s on offer. School-based courses often meet the needs of the school ahead of those of an individual so you may well need to go outside the school and possibly invest some of your own funds in professional development. It would be worth talking to fellow colleagues and existing HoDs to see what they did before they were appointed. If you haven't done so you might want to consider an award-bearing course at a university leading to a masters degree.

Age discrimination laws

Q. Anna

I'm about to take the plunge and start work on my NPQH form. I gather that completing the form itself is one of the hardest bits of the course as the requirements and style are so specific.

Can anyone offer any advice or (even better) a copy of a form they used successfully? I have heard of lots of colleagues who had all the appropriate experience but were not successful because of the way they had completed their forms.

A. John Howson

Hello Anna. This is the sort of problem that the doctor’s system has run into. Applicants should be judged on more than just their ability to fill in a standard application form. Particularly with leadership training there may be a range of styles and not every leader will want to spend time form filling. That said, it is essential that future leaders do think seriously about why they want to be considered for training.

Q. Teacherskills

I am currently extended leadership in a secondary school but looking for a deputy headship at a primary, eventually to be a primary head. I do have some experience of primary teaching, but mostly in private schools where I taught both primary and secondary at the same time (complicated, I know) do I have a chance? Should I jack in my leadership role and go back to main scale primary before even applying? I don't want to lose the status I've worked so hard for if I don't have to, but if no-one will even consider me for a primary DH if I'm not a current primary teacher, do I have a choice?

A. John Howson

Dear Teacherskills. I suspect this will be difficult. Many primary skills are much smaller than secondaries and require a different skill set for senior management that is closer to the skills required of HoDs in secondary schools. However, have you considered either large urban primary schools or one of the dwindling bands of middle schools?

Q. Jmo

I am an AST and at present I am responsible for NQTs and GTP teachers in the school as well as doing teaching and learning workshops. Can I apply for Assistant heads and deputy heads posts? Can I apply for NPQH?

A. John Howson

Hello Jmo. I don't see why not since you are an AST and the leadership scale is the obvious place to go if you want to stay in schools. Alternative career paths might include working for a local authority or one of the other promoters of schools that are now emerging from the academy programme. However since you have experience with NQTs and GTP teachers have you considered teacher training as a possibility. Sadly, it might mean a pay cut in the short term but it can be very rewarding.

National Professional Qualification for Headship

Q. Chloe de Mare

I am an NQT (year 2) at a private school on the inner London pay scale. The school maintain that they pay the same as the National Payscale. I have been asked to be Head of the Year next year. I am currently waiting for a job description for this post before I officially accept.

Please can you tell me if I am eligible for TLR2 as a HoY. I am aware that the independent sector can ultimately do as they please, but if they say they pay on the national pay scale, do I have a chance to receive financial recognition for this extra work?

A. John Howson

Hi Chloe. If they pay on the national pay scale, then the very least you should expect for a head of year is a substantial TLR2 payment for leading the learning term for a particular group of students. If you are to take on a head of sixth form then you might also expect to be placed in the Leadership Scale or to be offered a TLR1. I am not sure why being in charge of the sixth form is worth more than being in charge of group of adolescents, but no doubt someone will enlighten me in the course of the evening.

Q. Helen

I have been a qualified Primary Teacher since 1985, and am on Threshold 3. However, in August 2006, I moved house with my partner’s job and am now job-hunting. My last post was in rural, remote North Northumberland, teaching Reception and Year 1 in a mixed age class of between 14 and 25 children in a 2 class school for 3 days a week; plus I was also on a secondment with the local county to support schools achieve National Healthy Schools Status.

I now live in urban North Shields and am finding it hard to know where to direct my applications: Deputy Headship applications do not result in Interviews I think because of my rural experience: Class Teacher applications have worked for Independent schools (although not successful), but not County ones but again I am expensive or the small class size tells against me. Schools are also being very specific about recent year group experience so I am more likely to get an interview for Reception or Y1 but not another year group. County Council posts are few and far between and when I look at the job spec, they want LA experience, which I have only had on a limited scale as the secondment meant I was working in schools. I have applied for and was interviewed for a post involving the training of Nursery Nurses - the pay scales are very different and I would have needed training in assessment procedures and Key Skills Training.

I have signed on with 3 supply agencies and have had work with them, but I am not happy doing supply I personally like being part of a school community and find the behaviour management harder as a visiting teacher.

A. John Howson

Hi Helen. I am very sorry to hear of your predicament, which is not uncommon for experienced teachers who through no fault of their own are forced to relocate. The North East is probably the most competitive part of the country when it comes to looking for a job in the primary sector. It is difficult to recommend anything more that you can do since you seem to be doing all the correct things. Although it may not have seemed the most interesting job the work in FE training nursery nurses might well have allowed you to build up your contacts with local primary schools. The only other suggestion is to extend your search into some of the more rural parts of county Durham or even south Northumberland but that would mean a longer commute each day. Good luck, but it may be a difficult and frustrating time finding a new job.

Q. EF

I am in my sixth year of teaching geography, all at the same school. In that time I have studied for a Masters in Teaching at the Institute of Education and have also been gifted and talented co-ordinator for the last 4 years. I have been looking for a head of Department jobs, but not many have been available in inner London.

I am applying to go on the fast track leadership course as I don’t want to feel `trapped` in the classroom and would really like to lead change in school. Is there anything else I should be doing?

A. John Howson

Hello EF. Your email takes me back a long way since I started my career teaching geography for seven years in a secondary school in Tottenham that no longer exists. You seem to have done all the right things but as you recognise there are not many heads of geography department posts around at present. However there are some head of humanities posts that would also be suitable and since you have been in charge of provision for gifted and talented you might look to see whether there are some posts in one of the London boroughs that might give you some cross-school experience. A few years ago, I would have suggested applying for an assistant headship but despite all the discussion about fast track courses it seems many schools still want teachers who have progressed through the normal promotion channels, which include a period as a HoD. I fear that you may have to change schools and cast your net as wide as you can.

Helen

Thanks - it is!

Q. Elizabeth

I gained my PGCE in English (11 - 18) in 1998 and taught for 2 years in secondary before taking a career break to have a family. In 2003, I took a conversion course to teach Primary and in 2005 got a part time post in a very small Primary school. I have been there since then covering PPA time for all three teachers, so I have experience of teaching Y1 to Y6. I am subject co-ordinator for ICT and Geography. I will be graduating this summer with an MA in Education.

My goal is to be a Deputy Head and eventually a Head. What would be the best way of working towards a DHT post? I am almost 40, and have a young family to support, so I feel like I really need to press on now towards achieving my goal. Unfortunately my current Head insists on running everything single handed so there is no opportunity in my current job to gain any management experience. This is mainly why I have sent this question, as I feel I need to make a move to another school and I need advice on what type of post to look for and what I should be asking prospective Headteachers.

A. John Howson

Hi Elizabeth. You have two possible moves. Either, start applying for deputy headships in small schools with significant teaching responsibilities and stay for only a couple of years, or look for an assistant headship in a larger primary school and again aim to move after two years to a deputy headship and enrolment on the NPQH course. I would seek if there were anyone on your local authority with whom you can have a conversation about your career. The fact that your head keeps everything to themselves in a small school may not be unusual.

Q. Emerald

What would you consider to be more important when applying for senior managment positions? Teaching experience or relevant experience gained gained elsewhere.


A. John Howson

Hi Emerald. I’m not sure what you mean by relevant experience gained elsewhere in your question. It is always pays to read the job description you are sent when enquiring about senior management positions and ensuring that your answer explains why you are the most suitable person for the job. It may be your teaching experience, your subject knowledge, your work with students, your relevant experience or a combination of all of these that will demonstrate your suitability for a particular job. There is no simple easy answer except to make sure you can demonstrate an ability to do the job.

Q. Josie

Is it realistic to apply for Deputy Headships in primary without actually having had core curriculum/ key stage responsibilities in the past (due to lack of opportunity more than anything else!) Would I best to aim for TLR jobs first then think about a deputy headship? I have been teaching for 10 years and I am a voluntary member of the SMT at present. In addition, do I have to begin NPQH if I became a Deputy Head?

A. John Howson

Hi Josie. Yes, I don't think you have to have had either core curricular or key stage responsibilities to become a deputy head in the primary sector otherwise nobody with a music, humanities or PE background would ever become a deputy head. In many small schools I suspect that good teaching skills and the ability to fit the profile of subject experience the school needs are more important. Normally I would say aim for a TLR before becoming a deputy head but with your voluntary experience and 10 years worth of teaching behind you you might try applying either for an assistant headship in a large primary school or a deputy headship in a smaller school. You don't have to begin the NPQH if you become a deputy head but you will not be able to move onto headship in the future without it.

Q. John

I have been a head in New Zealand for a year as I was given a years leave of absence from my post as deputy head here in the UK. I enjoyed being a head and since my return have applied for a couple of posts but with no luck as I don't have an NPQH and can't try to register for the next course until April. In NZ, all heads do a course rather like an NPQH and I was hoping that this would help me bypass the NPQH here. Am I naive thinking I can apply for headships inv the UK without the NPQH? Will I stand any chance of a headship if I say I will register in April? What can I do?

A. John Howson

Hello John. Just as there isn’t any reciprocity for teacher qualifications throughout the Commonwealth, so there isn’t any for leadership qualifications. I am afraid you will have to register for the NPQH and then start applying for a headship. I am sure your experience will help.

Josie

Thanks John!

Q. k_fo

I'm in my 2nd year of teaching Drama in a secondary school, I was working in FE for 10 years and was HoD. I'm now HoD at my new school, but it's only me! I'd like to think seriously about options available to me to move ahead in my career, what options might be available to me?

A. John Howson

Hello K_fo. Being a HoD even if the department is only yourself provides you with certain experiences that others will not have had such as taking reasonability for the curriculum resources and negotiating your corner. As to the way forward one possibility is head of a larger department in another school or head of a joint department of creative studies or some such faculty. If you want to move beyond the confines of your subject area, you will need to consider what other expertise you might acquire for the new role that you're aiming towards. This might be teaching and learning or pastoral care or some other form of leadership. It's worth reviewing your CV against those of post holders in the grade that you aspire to see how they differ and then to plan a strategy to start filling in the gaps. Good luck.

K_fo

Thank you for the advice, really appreciate it!

Q. Footykel

Some of the members of my SMT have mentioned that I would be a good candidate for NQPH. I'm not sure what it involves and would like to know more. Where do I look for details and are there any procedures that I should follow?

A. John Howson

Hello Footykel. Go to the NSCL web site at www.nscl.org.uk and follow the links. The qualification is mandatory for new heads and is regarded highly for deputy headships in the secondary sector. Unless you undertake the course, you career will effectively have a ceiling beyond which you will not be able to be promoted, at least in the state sector.

Q. Whitesofa

Hello John. As TLR's have come in and many schools appear to have downsized small departments so as not to have a second in department how is it possible to show 'leadership skills' when applying for a Head of Department post. I have put myself in the position of organising a variety of other short term events but very often it is not 'Leading', more organising. And since recent interview panels have identified this does not mean that I have shown a capability of 'Leadership' as regards to some sort of assessment and ongoing practice. Any ideas?

A. John Howson

Hello whitesofa. I know what you mean as the advantage of the old management allowances meant that there were more official opportunities to show leadership capabilities. However the system was abused by some schools who handed out management points for some very curious roles. You don't say what your subject area is but in many small departments such as music and some of the humanity subjects, many schools have often only had a department head and some part timers teaching the subject. I guess it's time for you to start looking for jobs in schools where the work you have done will be recognised as it is difficult to demonstrate leadership if you're not given the opportunity.

Whitesofa

Many thanks John for your response

Q. Georgina

1st Job – Teacher of RS in an independent school. Taught across age range and was unofficial 2 i/c with HOD giving me plenty of opportunity to run KS3, write SOW, plan timetable allocation and help prepare budgets. Decided I had got everything I could from the job and decided on a career break and travelled the world.

2nd job - Teacher of RS and Resident tutor a boarding house in an independent school. Temporary position covering a maternity leave. Am currently acting housemistress as housemistress went off sick within a month of me arriving.

What next? Really like the pastoral side and would like to be Deputy Head pastoral one day. Am I better going for a teacher post and getting more experience pastorally or going for HOD?

A. John Howson

Hi Georgina. You don’t say how much experience you have and whether you have passed your induction year in the maintained sector. Alternatively, do you want to remain in the independent sector? Either becoming a pastoral head or a subject HOD would seem a sensible move. It is up to you to decide which you would prefer. There are more pastoral headships on offer, but fewer people to apply for head of RS posts. If you want to be a DH pastoral you will probably have to be a pastoral head at some point in your career.

Q. Lauren1999

John, would you say there is a headteacher shortage and if so don't you think someone has made a mistake requiring this NPQH to be in place prior to making an application?

A. John Howson

Hello Lauren. If you were a deputy head in the north east looking for a headship you probably wouldn't think so. However if you were chair of governors of a Roman Catholic school in London who had advertised a couple of times in the last year you probably would. On average there around 3,000 schools each year looking for a new head. The number is higher than normal at present as a large number of heads are reaching retirement age. This has caused some problems for some schools in some areas. I think that the introduction of the assistant headship grade in 2000 has also caused a bottleneck by putting an extra rung in the ladder between classroom teacher and the head's study. If you're looking for a head good luck or if you're looking for a headship good luck also.

Advice on headships

TES Chat Host

We have 45 minutes left in tonight's clinic. Thank you for all the excellent questions so far. Please keep them coming in.

Q. Jay

I have an interview for Head of Department. What do you think they may ask and what would be an appropriate answer for getting that teacher who doesn't want to play ball on your side?

A. John Howson

Hello Jay. They will want to know about how you develop subject knowledge and subject pedagogy and also leadership skills for dealing with people. This may be the first time you have had to take responsibility for other adults as opposed to pupils. As a middle manager, you will have a school policy to help you, but it is about identifying a style of your own. Work out why a teacher doesn’t want to play ball; did they apply for the job and were not appointed so are being bloody minder; did the previous head treat them badly; are they covering up their own inadequacies?

Once you have worked out the problem, then you can consider the solution. Good teachers want supportive leadership, band teachers want to be difficult. Work out where this on is coming from and act appropriately. Also, discuss the issue with you line manager, you shouldn’t have to act alone. If there is a history, you should be told by the SMT so you can act appropriately.

Q. Ruth

I am a 52 year old London teacher actively seeking secondary headship in London or the South-East. I have a long and broad experience in teaching in Inner London schools.

I have taught in large comprehensives in the London area. For 8 years (1996 - 2004), I was an adviser - for six of those years I was head of INSET & Curriculum Support.

I was seconded to a school as a Deputy Head Teacher by the LEA as I requested an opportunity to go back to school with a view of applying for headship after a couple of years. At the end of a 5-term secondment as deputy, I was accepted onto the Trainee Headship Scheme - a scheme run by the NCSL & the DFES to prepare experienced deputy heads for headship in schools in challenging circumstances.

During the year as a trainee head I had six interviews - in two I came 'runner up' - but did not secure a post. The trainee headship scheme is only for a year and at the end of the year, there was no strategic plan at the DFES to place trainee heads without a headship into a school, which required additional capacity. As a consequence in September I was unemployed. In the second half of the Autumn Term, I was employed as a consultant to write a specialist school bid for the school where I was a trainee head. I am now working as a 'consultant Deputy Head Teacher' (although doing the work of an Assistant Head Teacher) for two terms at a local school. This term I have applied for four headships & have not been short-listed - feedback from one was that my letter was not enough about me.

However, as my letter was not that different from previous letters, I am concerned that I am not being short listed either because of my age, my break in service in September, or because as I am no longer a trainee head & failed to get a headship during the last academic year I am looked on as a 'second rate applicant'. I have been advised by two prominent & recently retired head teachers that in my letter I should be up front about my age & state that my plan is to be a head for the next 8 - 10 years making the case that I might be more employable than a younger candidate who may stay for a few years & then move onto another headship.

A. John Howson

I am very sorry to read about your predicament in hindsight it might have been better if you had been seconded to the programme rather than having given up the job to join the trainee headship scheme. The problem is that it is a job market and nobody has control. I think with your experience you should look at a wider range of jobs by going through the general and local authority pages of the TES rather than just focusing on becoming a head. I think you can display your leadership skills in a wide range of jobs where your age will be less of a problem than it seemingly is to some boards of governors. I guess this must be very frustrating for you but do not give up as it is easy to become dispirited when things go wrong.

Q. Leaving London

I am a classroom teacher (Primary) who has only ever coordinated foundation subjects and RE. I am confident in my abilities as a coordinator and a classroom teacher so I now want to move on to coordinating core subjects and possibly becoming a phase leader or better. If I were to remain in my current school, I am sure I would have been given these responsibilities. However, I have relocated, hence I will be joining a new school. Do you think that my lack of experience in these areas may be a big no for new employers? What approach should I take if I want to progress in this area of my career?

A. John Howson

Leaving London. I don’t think your lack of experience in co-ordinating core subjects should be. After all not everybody can experience everything. I don’t know whether to suggest looking for a small school or a large school but it may be a case of taking what is on offer rather than what you would like as the classroom teacher market in the primary sector is very competitive outside the capital and as you will know from the Staffroom website there are many teachers who relocate and have found it difficult to find any significant job in the primary sector at present. If you have been following these job clinics over the past two weeks, you will know that I’m very concerned that pool arrangements in the primary sector discriminate against qualified teachers like yourself who are forced to relocate and favour NQTs with no experience. It is a tragedy when experience goes to waste because we train too many teachers for a variety of reasons.

Q. Yvette

I am in the process of applying for HOD and have been short-listed for the two jobs I have applied for, performed well at both interviews, and then to be told that unfortunately it was between me and one other who had more experience and was therefore a safer option! I appreciate that hard experience will always win in a straight competition, but are there any short cuts? Thank you

A. John Howson

Hello Yvette. I doubt if there are any shortcuts. You’ve done well to get interviews and unfortunately, you seem to have been beaten by someone with more experience each time, as you say that is likely to be inevitable in those situations. Get somebody else to look at your CV and application forms to check whether there is any way you can make more of what you have done to emphasise the experiences you have had. You might also want to look for schools whose advert suggests that they’re not just interested in a safe pair of hands and want fresh blood with new ideas. Good luck.

Q. Buttons34

John, I've been teaching (primary) for 11 years now and seem to have come to a bit of a cross roads in terms of career progression. The school in which I currently teach has a SMT which has been in place for a long time...and it seems that they are quite happy to see out their time until retirement in post. They have the TLRs, and their is really nothing for other members of staff to aspire to. Opportunities for professional development are also limited. I'm on UPS2, which seems to be quite restrictive in terms of making applications for another classroom teachers post, but jobs with TLRs seem to be few and far between in primary. I would really like to move my career forward, but don't really know what to do. Help!

A. John Howson

Hello Buttons34. You are right that jobs with TLRs in the primary sector are relatively scarce although there have been a few more in the TES over the past couple of weeks. A combination of falling rolls and the change from MAs to TLRs has reduced the number of promotion possibilities in the primary sector. It’s difficult to know what to suggest without knowing more about the type of authority where you are teaching. You might want to consider some professional development that allows you to meet other teachers from a wider area perhaps by doing a taught course for a masters degree either by distance learning or at a local university. Do also look through the general pages of the TES to see whether there are any jobs outside the classroom that might catch your eye. Good luck.

Q. Jamie

Prof. Howson, I am currently Ass. Head of an international school and have responsibility for KS4. My question is twofold. Please will you give me advice on returning to the UK in two years time and advice on seeking an SMT post then, probably in the independent sector? Thank you.

A. John Howson

Hello Jamie. One thing you can do is look at the NCSL website to find out about current thinking on leadership in schools in England. You can also read the TES job pages and send off for some details so that you're familiar with what might be required by a school in the independent sector. I guess you may have more success with a school that has a large number of fee-paying students from overseas who will value your expertise in an international school. Your main problem will be being available for interview at the right time. This is always an issue for teachers in international schools seeking to return to the UK and there is no easy solution except to work through agencies that will be prepared to interview you during the holidays. Good luck.

Working in the UK

Q. Trinity0097

I'm currently taking on more responsibility in our department and a notional 2 i/c role is being created for me for Sept, where I will take more of a role in leading KS2 Maths in our Middle school. My HOD is retiring in 2010, is there anything else I should be doing to have the best chance to get his job? I've done an intro to management course, but do not have the time to do courses/study that requires me to write assignments or do action research. Do I just keep on doing more of his role to prove I can do it?

A. John Howson

Hello Trinity0097. You seem to be doing the right things but if you check my earlier answer to Paul Bailey about becoming a head of PE you will see that leadership covers a range of different expertise. Although you say you haven't got time for courses or study you might need to consider how you keep your understanding of developments in your subject and its teaching up to date. Although you know your HoD is retiring in 2010 presumably when they reach 60 do be aware that lots can happen between now and then especially in the middle school sector where many authorities either have already reorganised such schools or, in some cases, are thinking of doing so in the future. If you see an interesting post in another school before then why not go for it.

TES Chat Host

We have 15 minutes to go in tonight's clinic. Last chance to post your questions.

Q. Evathia

I was a head teacher of a small junior school for ten years. I left three years ago because of an amalgamation with an infant school and an unfavourable Ofsted inspection of the junior school. I have since been managing a language unit in a large primary school and also serve on the leadership team. I have secured a PGCE in Speech and Language Difficulties and my head teacher is supporting me applying for NPQH at the next round. I already have LPSH and ITHAKA. My present school is moving to full three form entry status, I crave another senior post i.e. deputy headship in a large primary school. What positions do you think I could apply for now? How do I present myself in an application? I would be grateful for your advice.

A. John Howson

Hi Evathia. I don't understand why you haven't returned to headship. There are lots of primary headships on offer ranging from very small schools to large ones like the school where you are currently working as a manager of a language unit. If you have the NPQH, I don't understand why you are worrying about deputy headship rather than going straight for a headship.

Q. Paula

I have been a teacher for 11 years. Having just returned from a stint abroad on an exchange, I feel I am ready for a promotion. I have in the past spearheaded several groups including a creative thinking group, writing for the G&T, Guy Claxton’s BLP, given key speeches to groups from the authority, am currently attaining PHSE certification and maintaining the school’s healthy school status.

Have excellent ICT skills and worked hard to maintain my understanding of current trends in T&L. Am aware of the key issues in raising standards in a school with 40% FSM. Have a keen interest in citizenship and international education and find opportunities to develop my understanding of the world and the role of education. Have leaded a group of international teachers for 1 year in Cambodia to plan and teach using the UK, NC.

I have also worked closely with a host of agencies and teachers to attain several awards for the school including the IQM, HfS, PEQKM, and finally teach and mark training teachers’ assignments on assessment. Owing to the limited opportunities for promotion to SM at my current school and LEA, I have had very little experience with such a group since 2000. However, I am very keen to become deputy at a small school - up to 220. Do you think that I am qualified or is it paramount that I get some SM experience before I move on?

A. John Howson

Hello Paula. There aren't very many secondary schools with fewer than 220 pupils so I think you really ought to cast your net a bit wider. With 11 years teaching experience and the wide range of expertise you have picked up I would think that you would be of interest to many urban schools especially those with a multi-ethnic community. It's not clear what leadership experience you have had but I don't see why you couldn't apply for an assistant headship in a larger school to get some senior management experience. An alternative might be to look for a job somewhere in development education or with one of the international charities.

Q. Edith

I am looking for advice on moving into headship. A year ago, I changed boroughs to work as a deputy in a large primary school. This is my second deputy position. The first one was a fixed term secondment of 2 terms.

I am at the stage where I am keen to implement strategies on a whole-school level. My present head says I am not ready yet and to give it a few more years. I do not want to be too constrained by this as many of the senior staff have just left, the second deputy in the school is also looking for a job and her comments I believe relate more to her needs than to mine.

I feel that to be looking for a headship, I need to have someone "behind" me, but having just changed boroughs I haven't yet built up much of a relationship with people in the Local authority either. Any suggestions please?

A. John Howson

Hello Edith. One thing to do in the short term is to use your contacts in the previous authority whilst you build up some new contacts in your present authority. Do remember that as well as 'someone' behind you you will also need the NPQH before you can become a head. Undertaking the course will also allow you to meet people.

Q. Ashley

I've been teaching for 8 years now and currently hold a post as key stage 2 co-ordinator in an expanding primary school. My headteacher is very possessive about her school and keeps far too many things to herself. This causes quite a few problems when trying to find out about the sort of things that I need to be able to do in order to progress on to deputy headship. She has suggested that I start looking into middle manager courses and consider NPQH however I would like to train whilst being an acting deputy. Is it just a case of being in the right place at the right time for a deputy headship or would training before hand stand me in better stead for the future? Any advice would be wonderful.

A. John Howson

Hello Ashley. Although it is true that some deputy heads in the primary sector along with many more in the secondary sector are being appointed with the NPQH it is nowhere near mandatory. However, some sort of management experience from courses might well be useful to help focus your understanding. You could consider either a deputy headship in a small school or an assistant headship in a larger primary school as your next step. After 8 years, teaching there is no reason why you shouldn't be looking for promotion.

Q. James

I am extremely happy working in the school I am in and would like to stay there whilst furthering my career. There is a vacancy for head of faculty in my department and I am considering applying, others have said they would work well with me and looking at the requirements there is nothing I can't do and indeed have already done (our previous HoD left last July).

My only issue is the problem not mentioned on the form, one of my colleagues is the most difficult, awkward, volatile, argumentative, unpredictable person I have ever had the misfortune to work with. I have already had one serious run in with this person which I handled badly and lost my temper, this was due to a number of contributing factors and I know I would not lose my temper again but I also know this person is unmanageable. They have had run ins now with numerous members of staff and SMT. This is the only issue which concerns me about applying for promotion, I know that there will be problems with me managing this person but I also know that anyone else would have the same problems - they just don't have the benefit of foresight!

Do you have any suggestions for how I handle interview questions about this issue - as I know the interview panel are aware of the difficulties?

A. John Howson

Hi James. Dealing with awkward staff is one of the downsides of leadership but it has to be done. Lucky is the leader who never comes across such a problem. It is always better to work out strategies in the cold light of day rather than the heat of the moment. If necessary walk away from a confrontation as you probably have more to lose. As a Hod You would expect to discuss this sort of personal problem with the SMT and to devise a strategy for dealing with it.

If the senior management don't back HoD who makes sensible suggestions then that is always a sign that you should look for another job as becoming piggy in the middle as HoD leaves no way forward for you and the risk of a lot of grief. If asked about this at interview you have to stress this is not a problem a HoD can solve on their own. If the SMT and governors don't accept that don't take the job.

Q. Scott

Having been for a job interview for a promotion (Head of Music) and being turned down only because of lack of experience at the promoted job, with my current school denying me promotional opportunities, how can I gain appropriate experience to enable me to step up the career ladder?

A. John Howson

You question doesn’t really give me enough to go on to give a sensible answer. Most music departments contain only two or three teachers. If you have only had one interview and weren’t successful, do keep trying. If you only have a few years experience, try changing schools to one with a larger music department and a most supportive head who will help your career. Unless your present school are willing to change, there doesn’t seem any point in staying where you are however nice the school is to work in.

Q. Madphil

I am a newly appointed head who is relishing the challenge. What advice would you give to people who are in senior leadership but not wishing to make the move to headship. How do you convince them?

A. John Howson

Hi madphil. The obvious answer is read your email. Being a head or indeed any leadership post can be a very fulfilling job it's like classroom teaching on a bigger scale with all the same heartaches and rewards. I wish more people would rise to the challenge. Good luck.

TES Chat Host

Thanks for all your questions. For more career advice, refer to John Howson’s book “Taking Control of Your Teaching Career” (£15.99) which is available from the TES bookshop.