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A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · 1d

Child: You have something on your chin, Mr Urry
Me: thank you
Child: No - your other chin

Child walks away laughing

Not often speechless, but quietly proud to be head of a school where humour thrives - even if it is at my expense

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A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · 20d

Child comes straight into my office

Me: I'm on the phone!
child: yes - but I have to tell you that another child Calle me a golddigger
Me: and??
Child: I've come to tell you that I didn't hit him

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A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 20

Thank you to the lovely people at The Positive Teacher Company who are currently going around schools giving out brownies to staff in schools in August, Cheers!

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A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 20

Leadership isn’t always about consensus.

In headship, that can mean tough calls — budget cuts, safeguarding, restructuring — where no decision will please everyone.

Article - paulurry68.substack.com/p/when-the-b...
Podcast - paulurry68.substack.com/p/when-the-b...

#21 When the Buck Stops With You: Decision-Making Without Consensus

Leadership often means making decisions that will upset some people — even those you care about — and learning to lead anyway, with compassion, decisiveness and integrity.

paulurry68.substack.com

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 20

Leadership isn’t always about consensus.

In headship, that can mean tough calls — budget cuts, safeguarding, restructuring — where no decision will please everyone.

Article - paulurry68.substack.com/p/when-the-b...
Podcast - paulurry68.substack.com/p/when-the-b...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#21 The Challenge of Poor-Quality Trainees and What This Means for Schools

When trainees arrive unprepared, the whole system feels the strain. We discuss why teacher training standards matter and what must improve.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

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A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#20 When They Don’t Know What You Know: Leading Through Criticism with Grace and Perspective

Leadership attracts criticism. This episode explores how heads can face it with perspective, respond with grace, and remain rooted in their values.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#19 A response to the Secretary of State's Speech in July 2025

Political speeches promise change. Schools live the reality. We respond directly to the Secretary of State’s July 2025 address.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#18 Elective Home Education: When ‘Choice’ Is Really a Last Resort

More families are turning to home education, but often not by choice. We unpack the pressures driving this trend and its impact on schools.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#17 How Do We Restore the Esteem of Teaching?

Teaching once carried high respect. This episode asks how we can restore esteem for the profession that shapes our nation’s future.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#16 The Art of Saying No: How Leaders Protect Their Time

Leaders are pulled in every direction. We explore how the courage to say no protects time, priorities, and whole-school wellbeing.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#15 The Quiet Power of Kind Leadership

Kindness is often overlooked in leadership, but it is one of the most strategic tools a head can use. We show how it transforms schools.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#14 Why every primary headteacher should read this APPG report—and what it means for your school

The latest APPG report is essential reading for primary leaders. We break down what it says, why it matters, and what schools can do now.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#13 The Art of the Deputy

Deputy heads are not “second best” — they are the beating heart of a school. I explore the art of leading from the middle.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#12 Behind the Numbers: What the Ofsted Annual Report Means for Schools and Heads

The Ofsted annual report is full of charts and data — but what does it really mean for schools and leaders on the ground?

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#11 Behaviour is a Curriculum

Behaviour isn’t only managed — it’s taught. This episode explores why every interaction in school forms part of a child’s learning.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#10 The Headteacher’s Imposter Syndrome: Why It’s More Common Than We Admit

Even experienced heads sometimes doubt themselves. We unpack imposter syndrome in leadership and explore how to face it with honesty and support.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#9 When the Feedback Bites

Feedback can help us grow, but sometimes it hurts. We explore how to move past the sting and turn tough criticism into growth.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#8 Who Looks After the Head? Trust, Permission, and Chocolate Hobnobs

Heads are expected to care for everyone — but who supports them? We explore trust, permission, and the simple things that sustain leaders.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#7 Pressing Pause: Our School’s Real-World Response to the DfE Workload and Wellbeing Guidance

When the DfE workload and wellbeing guidance landed, our school didn’t rush. We paused, reflected, and chose what really works for staff and pupils.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#6 Work-Life Blur
Decisions, emails, responsibility — when the job never ends, how do headteachers and leaders reclaim boundaries and protect their wellbeing?

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#5 Tiny Triumphs

Not every victory makes the headlines. We celebrate the small, daily wins in schools that fuel resilience, build confidence, and shape futures.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#4 The Emotional Cost of Headship: Nobody Talks About This Bit

Leadership looks polished on the outside, but carries an unseen emotional toll. We open up about the sacrifices, struggles, and what needs to change.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#3 Why Our Teachers Stay
Amid the headlines about teacher shortages, why do so many remain and thrive? We uncover the hidden rewards and resilience behind teacher retention.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...

A Headteacher's Perspective @aheadssperspective.bsky.social · Aug 16

#2 Building a School That Belongs: Why Community Is Our Greatest Resource
Schools thrive on more than curriculum — they thrive on belonging. We explore how strong communities, trust, and shared purpose drive engagement and wellbeing.

open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...