Applying for Headship

Today I attended a short course on Preparing for Headship. Here is what I learned:

Salary

• You can never get above the fourth point in the range advertised.
• Don't ask about the salary in the interview.

Letter

• Use the person specification as a starting point, but you'll need more practical examples.
• Never write more than three sides of A4, no bigger than font 12. Look at the guidance given.
• Talk about the school. Talk about the children. Talk about relationships with governors and parents.

Choosing which jobs to apply for

• Only go for the school you want - the one where you could make a difference.
• Visit the school.

Looking for jobs

• Visit the TES website

The interview

• Mostly it's about what you will bring to the school. Refer to data and Ofsted.
• Answer questions fully - ask for a repeat of the question if you aren't sure.
• There are likely to be seven or eight questions, plus a presentation.
• It might be worth asking a question at the end. But if you are happy - just get out!!

Portfolio

• It would be worth putting together a portfolio of your career - teaching and learning standards, work with parents, your teaching philosophy.

Building experience

• Spend time with the SIP
• Familiarise yourself with RaiseOnline, FFT and Ofsted reports.
• Work closely with governors.
• Understand the process of writing action plans.
• Understand the role of the SENCO.
• Build up cross-phase awareness
• Be familiar with Early Years practice.
• Be familiar with the school budget processes.