Not an exact fit but there is a parallel between the profiles of leading heads and politicians. Both careers are stressful and I am sometimes struck by the closeness of the current political chaos of BREXIT and the turmoil facing so many heads as they find a way through TPS, micro-managing boards and intense political, economic and social change.
Three decades ago I was deputy to Alan Quilter, the brilliant and transforming head of Wells Cathedral School, who bore an uncanny resemblance in ideology and style to his heroine, Margaret Thatcher. More recently we have had Blair the modernizer, Cameron the comms expert, May the virtuous and now Boris the chancer – all recognizable types of heads we know!
Heads today are maestros of multi-tasking, change leadership, business-tycoonery and Trumpian diplomacy. But much more importantly they are educationalists who have passionate belief that their schools are the best vehicles to drive a better and more humane future.
The greatest issues of the twenty-first century will require philosophers as kings, perhaps even heads as prime ministers. Now where I have heard that before?! Wishing all heads and teachers the very best this year in swimming against the tide. Your pupils need you to be successful!
Anthony Millard
