In September, Emma Williams will embark on her first headship. Here, she describes her leadership journey – the challenges she has faced and the skills she has learnt along the way – and offers encouragement and advice to other would-be headteachers

If you had told me this time a year ago, or even six months ago, that I would be starting my first headship in September, I would have told you that there was absolutely no way that I would be ready for a step that big. 

Perhaps assistant or deputy head was in my grasp. But headship? Definitely not. Then again, here I am, getting ready for my first headship role and an entirely new stage in my career. 

How am I feeling? It’s difficult to say, because I have gone through a whole rollercoaster of emotions. But I can finally say that I’ve reached acceptance. Now begins the real preparation. 

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