Category: Leadership and Management
-
The Isle of Man vs. OFSTED: Rethinking Quality Assurance and Accountability in Schools
In recent years, the Isle of Man has introduced a new quality assurance (QA) mechanism for schools, featuring an inspection element called “external validation.” As an Executive Headteacher overseeing Dhoon, Laxey, and Willaston Schools, I have firsthand experience with this system. This blog provides an in-depth look at external validation, comparing it favorably to the…
-
2023 In Review: Bridging Ideas and Cultivating Growth Through a Year Long Journey of Educational Encounters
As the Executive Headteacher of Dhoon School, Laxey School and Willaston School , my professional journey in 2023 was marked by a series of enriching interactions and visits. This blog is a focused reflection on these experiences, highlighting the significant contributions of various visitors and the insights gained from my visits to other places. Each…
-
The School Leadership Advent Calendar: Unveiling a Day-by-Day Guide to Educational Excellence
Advent of Excellence: Daily Insights for School Leaders. Join Max Kelly in exploring the ‘School Leadership Advent Calendar,’ a daily revelation of key principles for educational excellence. Each day unlocks a vital aspect of leadership, blending festive charm with impactful strategies. Discover a unique perspective on nurturing and guiding schools towards greatness.
-
Battle of the Headteachers: Fiction’s Finest Face the Top Trumps Challenge
Fancy yourself as a famous headteacher? Ready to bask in the hot-glow reputation of a wise and loved head who can do no wrong, like the ever-popular Mr Chips, or are you hoping to avoid being known as the next Miss Trunchbull? In his latest blog, author Max Kelly takes us on an explorative journey…
-
Atlas of Halcyon Halls
I slipped away quietly as the summer term drew to a close on that final day, observing teachers’ shoulders soften under a cascade of gifts, enveloped in warm hugs from children and parents alike. They’d fulfilled their duties with distinction, summer’s joyous anticipation humming in the air. Another fruitful school-year had passed – and now,…
-
Should Headteachers Be PROUD To Be The WORST Teacher In Their School? The Answer May SURPRISE You!
How do exceptional teachers, turned headteachers, appear to become the “worst” in the classroom -and is it to be expected? Author Max Kelly argues that not only should it be expected, but it is perfectly healthy too. In his latest blog, uncover why this shift towards being the school’s worst teacher is vital for empowering…
-
2022: Reflections on a Year of Collaboration and Connection
As another year comes to a close, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the key events and developments that took place over the past 12 months. In this review, author Max Kelly looks back at the wonderful opportunities that were afforded to his schools in terms of the visitors they hosted and the visits…
-
Strictly Come Dancing VS Headteachers: A Showdown Of Glitz, Glamour, and Leadership!
Its the finale of Strictly Come dancing tonight! Are you a fan? Have you been watching? Secretly been wondering what it has in common with school leadership? Nah… didn’t think so. But just in case you are intrigued about what the ballroom can tell us about headship, look no further as author Max Kelly walks…
-
Father Christmas Vs Headteachers: What Kind Of School Would Santa Run?
Are you tired of the same old school leadership model? Fed up of headteachers who just don’t understand the unique needs and challenges of the schools they run, the staff they lead and the pupils they provide for? Well, fear not, because there’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Santa Claus.
-
Jess Glynne is right: We’re ready for this. Teachers, summer holidays and a new school year with BIG challenges ahead!
The usual twitter debate over how teachers should use the summer break has filled the #EduTwitter timelines this July and August. My view: whatever you’ve done this summer, if it’s helped you feel ready for the 2022-23 academic year then it’s been time well spent.
-
Neighbours vs Headteachers: Trying To Find That Perfect Blend In Our Schools
Long-running Aussie soap Neighbours bows out after 37 years on screen. Reflecting on the TV show that brought us Kylie, Jason, Mrs Mangle and wooden-legged Paul Robinson, author Max Kelly wonders whether the soap from Down Under has any lessons for school leaders. Probably not to be fair… but it was fun trying to make…
-
I Feel It In My Fingers, I Feel It In My Toes
Can a successful school be built on the foundations of love? And what does that even mean or look like in practice? In the inspiring book “Parklands: A School Built On Love” head teacher Chris Dyson shares the story of how he has steered a school towards the seemingly impossible dream of high achievement, personalised…
-
Why We Shouldn’t Be Surprised About Partygate and What It Tells Us About The Impact of Leadership…
The threads of the Partygate tapestry are there for all to see. What lessons can school leaders draw from this latest political scandal?
-
Should Headteachers Have Taught in Every Key Stage?
Does a primary headteacher need to have extensive teaching experience? In this blog, Max Kelly makes a case in favour of extensive teaching experience and suggests it is highly desirable for school leaders to have experienced a range of key stages, across a range of schools. For Max, it’s a question of credibility as much…
-
Boost Your “Energy For Leadership” With These Super Simple Steps
In this blog Max Kelly examines some of the daily challenges that can sap school leaders and teachers of energy, and the impact that can have if not kept in check.
-
Surviving 2021
As another year draws to a close I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the challenges and successes of 2021. No doubt this was a demanding and turbulent year, but there were also some wonderful opportunities and moments to celebrate along the way. This is my very personal take on 2021…
-
Another Bad Hair Day? Owning a Brush Might Help.
Max Kelly presents a new blog with yet more comparisons between political leadership and school leadership… After a torrid week or so for Boris Johnson and his Tory MPs, the Prime Minister continued his calamitous streak with a bizarre and poorly executed speech to the Confederation of British Industry. I’m not sure that a headteacher would…
-
Premier League Managers vs Headteachers – Do YOU Recognise Any of These Leaders in YOUR School?
Who would be a premier league manager? Judged by league tables, an unrelenting pressure from those who are supposed to be on your side, and seemingly everyone has an opinion and thinks they could do better. Sounds a bit like the job of the headteacher too! In this tongue-in-cheek article, sprinkled with just a dash…
-
Captain Picard vs Headteachers – Resistance to Leadership Is Futile
Captain Jean-Luc Picard is one of the most enduring TV characters of the last 30 years. Introduced to television audiences in the 1980’s, Picard went on to personify integrity, honesty, values and principles. He was the quintessential gentleman; a widely read and well educated man of interest and ambition. He was charismatic and charming, and…
-
10 things I wish I’d known when I became a Headteacher
Starting out in headship is an exciting time, but can be quite a daunting experience too. In this blog Max Kelly reflects back on his time as a headteacher and offers his insights for those new to the role by listing the top 10 things he wish he’d known when he was starting out.
MANX MAX 