Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship
May 17, 2025
Tom Oakley, a deputy headteacher from Bury St Edmunds, reflects on his three years in leadership. He shares powerful insights on supporting teachers through change and the importance of a well-being curriculum. Tom discusses navigating school growth, managing challenges from transitioning schools, and the significance of effective coaching. He emphasizes tailored emotional support for students and how to bridge gaps in literacy and classroom dynamics, highlighting the real needs of the school community versus ideal scenarios.
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Managing Continuous Change
- School leadership is fundamentally about managing continuous change effectively.
- Trying to change everything at once overwhelms staff and undermines progress.
Prioritize Reading and Phonics Curriculum
- Start curriculum improvement in the area that unlocks others, like reading and phonics.
- Base decisions on evidence and context to address unmet student needs.
Develop a Coaching Culture
- Train senior leaders in coaching to build a supportive development culture.
- Pair teachers with both a senior leader coach and a peer coach for balanced growth.