Tower and Town, September 2017

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Headteacher, St Mary's CE Primary School

If you are looking for a job that is never boring then the role of a Headteacher may be something worth looking at! Suddenly, from being trained as a classroom teacher, you are plunged into a world of leadership and management: dealing with staff, controlling budgets, managing building projects and most importantly ensuring that the education of all the children in your care is outstanding.

Being a Headteacher is perhaps one of the best, and sometimes, most challenging jobs around. Every day is different and when you arrive in the morning you never know what the day will bring – a breakthrough in someone’s learning, a broken arm or even the dreaded (but much loved by the children) snow!  Each week can be quite a roller coaster of highs and lows!

At its best, education can enthuse and inspire young people to think for themselves and grow up as informed, interesting and intelligent world citizens who can make a positive difference to the lives of others by their insight and also by their kindness and empathy.

I would define “success” in an individual subject, or in education as a whole, as having instilled a lifelong love of learning, or passion for a subject in a young person. School is only the start of a journey and particularly today, with access to the internet, the possibilities of continuing to learn throughout our lives are there for everyone.

Children approach life’s ups and downs with an enthusiasm and energy that is rarely seen in adults and brings an element of fun and humour to every day. The pleasure of working with an outstanding team of staff to really make a difference to the lives of young people is an amazing challenge and a wonderful opportunity that anyone would be privileged to be a part of.

Anne Schwodler