Succeeding as a Deputy Head

“Succeeding as a Deputy Head' stands as a seminal contribution to educational leadership literature, offering a nuanced and deeply practical guide for Deputy Headteachers who must navigate the complex intersection of strategy, relationships and professional growth. The authors draw upon their vast experience and insights, seamlessly blending theoretical frameworks with actionable advice, creating a resource that is both inspiring and highly applicable. 

 

The book's strength lies in its structured approach. Each chapter is meticulously designed to explore critical dimensions of Deputy Headship, from managing relationships and building trust to fostering personal and professional development. The authors balance theoretical discussions with real-world applications, empowering readers to reflect on their own leadership styles and apply these principles effectively. 

 

This is not just a guide to navigating a specific role, it’s a testament to the importance of leadership development in schools. Kohlbeck and Passey have succeeded in crafting a resource that will undoubtedly inspire a generation of Deputy Headteachers to lead with courage, authenticity and strategic foresight.”

Professor Dr Haili Hughes - Director of Professional Development, All Saints MAT and Professor Academica University of Applied Sciences  Author, international speaker, mentoring expert

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“Adam and Chris tell us that succeeding as a Deputy Headteacher is a “multifaceted and context driven endeavour”, and this echoes throughout every chapter. The authors confront the tensions, and the beauty, of the role in the best way possible: a blend of evidence and experience. They do the hard work of distilling the research to focus readers on pertinent advice that is contextualised through the lens of personal experience - their own and their experienced contributors. 

 

What I enjoyed most about this book was the refreshing candour with which they tackle tensions of the role. This is extremely powerful for equipping Deputy Headteachers, and those aspiring to the role, with the mindsets and guidance to be successful.”

 

Sarah Cottinghatt, Research lead at StepLab, author of Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning in Action, Teacher Educator and Coach

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“The Deputy Head role is one of the hat gigs in education. And what Chris and Adam have created here is real. Really real. Their passion for education and genuine desire to help others succeed shines through on every page. You can tell they've lived their words too: the tricky conversations, the challenging relationships, the constant juggling act that is Deputy Headship.

 

What I love most is their relentless focus on people. Because that's what it's all about, isn't it? Whether you're trying to align with your Head (and let's be honest, that's not always straightforward), develop your staff, or just keep yourself sane, it all comes down to people. And they get that. They really get that.

 

Succeeding as a Deputy Head is the book I wish I'd had when I stepped into senior leadership. It doesn't shy away from the hard stuff or pretend there are easy answers. Instead, it gives you the principles, the understanding, and most importantly, the confidence to lead well while staying true to your values.

 

And it's the values piece that really resonates for me: decency, authenticity, humility. In a profession where it's easy to get lost in data and outcomes, Chris and Adam remind us that good leadership starts and ends with being a decent human being.

 

If you're a Deputy Head, aspiring to be one, or just interested in school leadership, read this book. It's written by two educators who clearly care deeply about helping others succeed. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it."

 

Shane Leaning, Author, International Organisational Coach, Founder of work collective and podcaster