Inspiring Leadership at St Bartholomew's: A Co-Headship Success Story
At St Bartholomew's, we have embraced an innovative approach to school leadership - a Co-Headship model that combines the strengths and experiences of two dedicated educators. Victoria and I, both passionate about making a difference in the lives of our pupils, have embarked on this collaborative journey, and the results have been fantastic.
My Journey
After I graduated with a business degree, I worked in London for several years before working on the Harry Potter films in the animal department. I then decided to find a career that would offer stability and career progression – and decided to complete my PGCE at the University of Hertfordshire. I started my teaching career at St Peter’s school in St Alban’s, where I gained valuable teaching experience and shadowed the SENCO. After having my first two children whilst at St Peter’s I moved on to a SENCO role at Abbot’s Langley School. I had my third child and decided I wanted to work closer to home and found a position at St Bartholomew’s School in Wigginton – where I have been ever since. I progressed from 1 day per week as a SENCO, to covering some PPA, to then being the Year 5/6 teacher alongside the SENCO role.
Our head made the decision to move on in January 2022 and so Victoria and I joined forces and put together an application for Co-Headship. We were successful and had mentorship from a head from a local school for our interim period. We then reapplied and were appointed permanent heads in January 2023.
The Benefits of Co-Headship
Our Co-Headship allows us to leverage our diverse backgrounds and expertise to address the multifaceted challenges of school leadership.
Victoria, an EYFS specialist with experience in the lower primary years, and I, with a strong focus on KS2 and SEN, bring complementary skills to the table. By working together, we are able to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to supporting our chidlren’s academic and personal growth.
The flexible nature of our working arrangement has also been beneficial to both of us – and the school. As mothers of school-aged children, we understand the importance of work-life balance. By sharing the responsibilities of headship, we can maintain our desired roles while effectively managing our personal commitments. This not only enhances our job satisfaction but also sets a positive example for our staff, emphasising the value we place on achieving a healthy work-life balance to our staff.
Continuous Professional Development and Collaborative Learning
Co-Headship has been an invaluable opportunity for our professional development. By learning from each other's experiences and best practises, we have expanded our knowledge base and become more versatile leaders. The collaborative nature of our work has fostered a growth mindset, allowing us to continuously improve our skills and adapt to the evolving needs of our school community.
Moreover, the Co-Headship model has enabled us to recruit talented part-time staff who share our commitment to work-life balance. This diverse and flexible team has been instrumental in driving the school forward, ensuring that our students receive the best possible education and support.
A Positive Impact on the School Community
The impact of our Co-Headship has been felt throughout the St Bartholomew's community. By embodying our school's values of respect, love, and courage, we have created an environment where every individual is empowered to shine. Our chidlren thrive in this nurturing and inclusive setting, where they are encouraged to embrace their unique talents and make a positive difference in the world.
As we navigate the challenges of the OFSTED inspection framework, our Co-Headship has proven to be a valuable asset. By working together, we are able to tackle complex issues with a multifaceted approach, ensuring that our school continues to meet and exceed the high standards set by the framework. We survived our first OFSTED and we are a ‘Good’ school. We prefer to say we are a great school!
A Rewarding Journey Ahead
Our Co-Headship journey has been both rewarding and transformative. It has not only benefited us as leaders but has also had an impact on our school community. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our collaborative work, inspiring our students to let their light shine and empowering them to become compassionate, confident, and resilient individuals.
For those aspiring to take on leadership roles, I encourage you to consider the Co-Headship model as a unique and fulfilling path. By embracing this innovative approach, you can unlock new opportunities for professional growth, work-life balance, and a positive impact on the lives of young people.