Last September, I took on my first role as a headteacher - something that was both daunting and exciting in equal measure.

While I prepared as best I could, there are some things you can only learn on the job - and that was exactly the case.

As such, for anyone new to headship this year, here are some of the key lessons I feel worth sharing to help you start with as many insights as possible.

1. Make notes

Make notes about what you notice about the school in those first few days, before your judgement gets blurred - and it gets blurred very quickly, particularly when you see things all the time.

For example, in the first weeks, I noticed that transitions between lessons were not snappy enough with a sense of urgency. When this becomes the norm, it gets lost, so it’s sensible to write things down so you don’t forget.

2. Be visible

It’s good to be out and about speaking to staff and students so you quickly become a familiar sight and get a feel for your school.

As such, I have made a point of making sure I am in corridors, out on duty, walking around the site and popping into lessons.

3. Engage with the school community

In the first three weeks of my headship, I ran 10 coffee mornings and four evening drop-ins for existing parents to meet me and to know what I stand for.

The school’s open evening is also the best chance for schools to impress prospective parents and to showcase everything they are doing.

To this end, I put a lot of thought into my speech for that evening, making sure I got the tone right and had a few great quotes to use.

4. Don’t look at social media

It can be tempting to look online and see how your early days are going and in the first month, I did look at comments fairly regularly.

But then I thought, “why am I letting this bother me?” And I stopped looking because it was distracting me from the job.

You can waste a lot of time and energy on the few who are saying negative things. Learn to let it go.

5. Building networks pays off

If you are part of an academy trust, you will have all the advantages of working closely with other schools in the trust. But also look at schools outside of your trust to get as wide a view as possible.

For example, I visited schools of a similar size to Oakmoor, with a similar demographic and achievement level. I went to schools in Manchester, Bristol, Kent and Gloucester - and I now collaborate very closely with one of these heads.

This helps me pick up new ideas and talk to someone who understands the pressure of the job.

6. Data skills come in handy

I’m lucky because I’m a mathematician and spreadsheets don’t phase me. But I would highly recommend trying to make sense of your school’s data whatever your skill set as it will be key to decision making.

I had a good look at Oakmoor’s Department for Education statistics so I started with prior knowledge of the school, and this has helped me to tackle the areas where we are weaker and to build on the areas of strength.

7. Know change takes time

It can be frustrating when you feel you aren’t moving quickly enough, but my experience tells me that if you move too fast you can easily get it wrong.

Instead, it’s important to take time to observe and learn about the school, its character and its culture. Then you can start to think about making changes.

Even then though, you have to appreciate that real, meaningful change takes time so you have to be patient.

8. Take time out

I’m out on my bike every evening and I’m lucky to be part of a club that really helps me to have a change of focus, mixing with people doing different types of jobs.

This is a great time ‘away from the job’ for me, but it also sets a good role model to staff that it’s alright to take time for yourself and switch off.

Nigel Wright is headteacher of Oakmoor School in Bordon, part of the University of Chichester Academy Trust

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