A Headteacher's Perspective
@aheadssperspective.bsky.social
Reflections on 20 years of being a primary school headteacher in 5 schools,3 LAs, Academy, Catholic, Anglican and LA
https://paulurry68.substack.com
https://paulurry68.substack.com
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
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
October 13, 2025 at 7:58 PM
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
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
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
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
September 25, 2025 at 8:26 AM
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
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
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!
August 20, 2025 at 11:17 AM
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!
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...
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
August 20, 2025 at 6:12 AM
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...
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...
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...
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...
August 20, 2025 at 6:12 AM
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...
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 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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:08 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:07 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:07 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:07 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:06 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:06 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:06 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:05 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:05 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:05 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:04 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:04 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:04 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
Decisions, emails, responsibility — when the job never ends, how do headteachers and leaders reclaim boundaries and protect their wellbeing?
open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...
August 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
#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...
Decisions, emails, responsibility — when the job never ends, how do headteachers and leaders reclaim boundaries and protect their wellbeing?
open.substack.com/pub/paulurry...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 7:57 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 7:57 PM
#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...
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...
#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...
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...
August 16, 2025 at 7:56 PM
#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...
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...