The challenges facing schools are varied, including recruitment, funding and impending inspection reform. Andy Mellor considers these issues, but also calls on colleagues to remain optimistic

Optimism is a key component in a school leader’s toolbox. Most school leaders that I meet are optimists. It’s why we do the job.

The job also brings with it plenty of challenges and headaches, but sometimes it is all too easy to look at education through a glass, darkly. It is important to remember just how much inspirational work goes on in our schools.

This work is even more remarkable because it is commonplace. Despite the familiar obstructions, inspiration is the norm, not the exception.

This is a sentiment echoed by Damian Hinds. He has penned an editorial for the National Association of Head Teachers’ magazine, Leadership Focus, which has just landed on members’ doormats. In it, he talks about the “moments of illumination” that happen for staff and pupils. I know what he means.

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