#18 We need to talk about… senior leadership: the right move, not just the next one
Hello, and thanks for joining me. This week, I reflect on what it takes to move into senior leadership — and how to know when it’s the right time to make that leap.
It’s hiring season, and for some, that means decision time. You might be thinking about moving into senior leadership. Maybe you’ve been mulling it over for a while, or a new vacancy has brought the idea into sharper focus.
So, how do you know it’s the right time, the right school, and the right role?
The path isn’t always linear
When I started training to teach, I just wanted to teach history. Middle or senior leadership wasn’t even on my radar. Two and a half years later, I became a subject leader. Two years after that, I joined the senior leadership team.
Some might call that fast. At times, I thought so too. I remember worrying about managing colleagues with decades more experience than I had. Would they take me seriously?
But readiness isn’t always about years — it’s about fit.
Why do you want to lead?
People step into senior leadership for all kinds of reasons.
Some want to improve systems and culture. Others are passionate about a particular remit — T&L, inclusion, curriculum. Some think they could do a better job than those currently leading.
Whatever your reason, you need clarity. If it's purely about status or pay, the reality of the job may not meet your expectations. The role demands more than ambition — it demands purpose.
It’s a different job
A colleague who covered a senior leadership maternity post told me how surprised she was by the sheer range of responsibilities. Much of the work had been invisible to her before stepping into the role.
This isn’t to say middle leadership or classroom teaching aren’t demanding — they absolutely are. But senior leadership is a shift in scope. You're expected to understand how all the working parts of a school connect and contribute to the whole.
It also changes how you see your impact. You’re no longer in front of pupils all day, and that emotional shift matters.
For me, one of the hardest parts was losing the daily rhythm of the classroom — the small moments that remind you why you came into teaching. Your impact is still there, but it might feel less immediate, less tangible.
What you might miss
Moving into SLT might mean less classroom time, less subject autonomy, and possibly being part of a wider, less tightly knit team. You’re also more likely to deal with whole-school issues — some of which are far from your expertise or comfort zone.
None of this is a deal-breaker, but it’s worth being honest about what you’re leaving behind — and what you're stepping into.
Right role, right school
You need both: the right role and the right school. One without the other rarely works long term.
When I was first applying, I went for a role in a school I loved. Great people, strong culture. But the job itself wasn’t right for me. I got positive feedback, but the headteacher picked up on the mismatch. I was more drawn to the school than the remit.
Equally, taking on a role you're passionate about in a school that clashes with your educational philosophy won’t lead to a sustainable or fulfilling experience. It’s not just about being ready — it’s about alignment.
From vision to visibility
As a senior leader, you’re not just living the school’s values — you’re shaping and modelling them. You might need to support decisions you don’t fully agree with. That’s part of the job: holding a united front and leading with clarity.
It’s also about relationships.
At SLT level, influence doesn’t come from your job title. It comes from trust. Building relationships — across staff, pupils, and governors — isn’t optional; it’s foundational.
You won’t know everything (but that’s okay)
You won’t be an expert in every area you lead. You will likely line manage subjects you’ve never taught. You’ll need to understand governance, budgets, and strategy in new ways.
The point isn’t to know everything — it’s to stay curious, seek expertise, and build professional credibility over time.
Key questions to ask yourself
Why do I want to be in senior leadership?
Am I choosing a role and school that align with my values?
What do I still need to learn — and how will I go about it?
Can I handle the shift from classroom to strategy?
Am I ready for the visibility and accountability the role brings?
Something we rarely say: you can try senior leadership and decide it’s not for you. Careers in education aren’t ladders — they’re pathways. Progression isn’t always about promotion. Sometimes it’s about alignment — with your purpose, your values, and your wellbeing. Senior leadership offers incredible opportunities to make a meaningful impact, shape the future of education, and guide a school towards success. It may not always be easy, but the rewards — in terms of professional growth and the difference you can make — are worth the journey.
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, when I’ll explore what senior leadership interview prep really looks like — beyond the generic CPD list.