Leadership

How To Appoint An Acting Headteacher

Who should be chosen as a school's acting headteacher? How should they supported in their new position? What role do governors and trustees play? Pete Crockett offers his advice.
Black teacher reading a test paper at a desk.

Introduction

In an academic year, hundreds of senior leaders will fulfil the role of acting headteacher. The danger is to perceive a period of acting headship as an interregnum to be survived. However, to underplay the complexities and challenges of the acting headship role is foolhardy. I say that with the experience of having been an acting headteacher, worked alongside others fulfilling the role, acted as an external coach to acting school leaders and been a governor in schools that have undergone periods of acting headship.

Key questions before appointing an acting headteacher

Do we need to seek an internal or external appointee?

An initial consideration is whether the role should be filled by an internal or an external appointment. An external appointment is logical when the senior team is inexperienced or under-performing. It might also need to be considered if no one within the school is eager to fulfil acting headship duties. The role will offer an external candidate the chance to show their mettle. It will also allow the continuity of roles and responsibilities for the remaining senior leadership team.  

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