Headship Appointment

When a headteacher gives notice of resignation, it is clearly urgent for school governors to undertake a procedure to recruit an excellent successor who will meet the needs of the school, with whom everyone can work, and who will lead the school to new achievements.

The search and selection of a new head is the single most important task that school governors face. Not only will thousands of pounds be committed, but in this decision lies the future success or otherwise of the school.

The governing body needs to take advice over the appointment process as soon as the head’s intentions are known. All recent research points to the importance of the head as the key person who determines the quality of the school.

• What type of head is being sought?
• What are the steps in the selection procedures?
• How long will each part of the procedure take?
• How many governors should be involved?
• How should the new head’s salary be calculated?
• What should the advertisement cover and where should it be placed?
• What details should be sent to the interested candidates?
• What are the criteria for selection?
• What referencing policy should be adopted?
• How many candidates should be short-listed?
• How will the interview days be run?
• What tasks should be set and questions asked?
• What assessment will be used?
• How can governors be sure that the advice they receive is objective?

Academics can assist governors to address all these issues.

The appointment process will include attracting candidates to the school, assessing applications, deciding who to interview and making the final selection.

Academics consultants work for the governors to make the whole task of selecting a new head a smooth and professional process, in which stress to the governors is minimised, and all candidates are given a good impression of the school.

We recommend that a consultant is invited to a governors’ meeting free of charge to explain the service. It is available to all schools – foundation, trust, community and independent, and colleges, on a nationwide basis. Academics will also work in partnership with local authorities or Diocese where appropriate.

For more information regarding this service or to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact us without delay.