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Headteachering: A practical guide...with the messy bits left in
The honest guide to the messy job of being a headteacher, including real stories of mistakes made and lessons learned, case studies and practical advice.
These are the bits about being a headteacher they don't teach you. Headteachering is part instruction manual, part call to arms and part confession of errors from experienced headteacher, Simon Botten.
From being told to 'f*** off' at assembly on his first day and being handed a walkie-talkie for calls to break up fights to managing crisis and the pain of failure after success, Simon tells you the stories you don't usually hear. Packed with brilliant advice for how to lead a school and multiple case studies from experienced headteachers who have been there and seen it all, this book is an essential guide to what it's really like to be a headteacher, whether you're an aspiring school leader or you're currently in post. Humorous, wise and insightful, this book aims to inspire you to be the best headteacher you can be - practically, technically and emotionally.
These are the bits about being a headteacher they don't teach you. Headteachering is part instruction manual, part call to arms and part confession of errors from experienced headteacher, Simon Botten.
From being told to 'f*** off' at assembly on his first day and being handed a walkie-talkie for calls to break up fights to managing crisis and the pain of failure after success, Simon tells you the stories you don't usually hear. Packed with brilliant advice for how to lead a school and multiple case studies from experienced headteachers who have been there and seen it all, this book is an essential guide to what it's really like to be a headteacher, whether you're an aspiring school leader or you're currently in post. Humorous, wise and insightful, this book aims to inspire you to be the best headteacher you can be - practically, technically and emotionally.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
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February 13, 2026
Do I want to be a teacher? No. Did I think about the various managers I've had, or the leadership roles I've found myself in, and start to take mental notes for the future? Absolutely.
While Headteachering obviously focuses on education, it's a book about leadership, people and resilience. It's one I wish more graduates and managers alike read, regardless of if they plan to go into education.
While Headteachering obviously focuses on education, it's a book about leadership, people and resilience. It's one I wish more graduates and managers alike read, regardless of if they plan to go into education.
Displaying 1 of 1 review