School leadership is the best job in the world despite being frustrating exhausting and at
times utterly bamboozling. We are required to change our focus frequently and immediately
planning for the next five years one minute dealing with the next five seconds the next. We
manage multi-million-pound budgets and we pick up crisp packets. We live a life of constant
contrasts meeting hurtling deadlines solving inscrutable riddles experiencing profound joy
and also heartbreaking disappointment. From time to time we look up from our work and realise
how very privileged we are to work in such an important rewarding valuable role. The A-Z of
Secondary Leadership considers how we approach leadership in secondary schools from the moment
of arrival in a new post to the exploration of further possibilities. It covers creating a
culture recruiting and retaining the best staff encouraging cognitive diversity working with
stakeholders leading in the community and perhaps most importantly how to look after
yourself as you take on a very challenging role. Combining broad knowledge of the education
system with a clear-headed assessment of the challenges faced by schools and some practical
tips for successful leadership this book is essential reading for aspiring recently appointed
and more experienced secondary school leaders. It is filled with pragmatism humour energy and
advice. Taking a detailed yet down-to-earth approach to leadership theory and practice Andy
Hunter considers the various demands placed upon secondary school leaders and shares the
insights and experiences that he has gained on his journey from supply teacher to executive
head.
