Book Review: Making Change Stick by Dr James Mannion

At HeadteacherChat, we are always on the lookout for books that offer practical, research-informed guidance for school leaders. Making Change Stick by Dr James Mannion is one of those rare reads that combines deep insight with real-world tools, helping school leaders navigate the complex process of school improvement.

Why this book matters

We all know that change is constant in schools. Initiatives come and go, often with the best of intentions, but how many really make a lasting difference to pupil outcomes? Mannion tackles this ‘mind-blowing question’ head on, revealing that too many improvement strategies fail to achieve their goals. Drawing on implementation and improvement science, he presents a step-by-step programme that is both realistic and hopeful.

This book doesn’t just explain why change fails — it provides a clear framework for how to make it succeed.

What’s inside the book?

The book is structured in three parts:

1. Rationale and Overview – A compelling explanation of why so few change initiatives achieve their aims, and why implementation science offers a way forward.
2. The Making Change Stick Programme – Practical guidance across three phases: Make a Start, Make a Plan, and Make it Happen. Each phase is broken into clear, manageable steps such as appointing a slice team, conducting a root cause analysis, and planning for diffusion.
3. The Role of Leaders – Ten practical ways school leaders can create the right conditions for improvement, from setting the vision to creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Throughout, James weaves in case studies, research evidence, and helpful diagrams to support busy school leaders.

What we particularly like

• The Slice Team Concept: Mannion emphasises the power of representative teams to drive improvement. This avoids the pitfalls of top-down leadership and creates genuine buy-in from across the school community.
• Implementation Equation: A simple yet powerful formula – What x How = Wow. Leaders are reminded that even the best ideas won’t work without a strong implementation strategy.
• Diffusion of Innovations: James explains how new practices spread, why the tipping point matters, and why you shouldn’t waste energy on resistors at the outset.
• Practical Tools: From PDSA cycles to pre-mortems, the book is packed with methods that leaders can adapt straight away.
• Leadership Role: The ten responsibilities outlined for leaders provide clarity on how to support improvement without micromanaging it.

Why school leaders should read this book

This book strikes a balance between theory and practice. It reassures leaders that challenges like initiative fatigue, groupthink, and the infamous ‘implementation dip’ are normal — and then shows how to address them. The message is clear: lasting change is possible when you combine evidence, collaboration, and disciplined planning.

HeadteacherChat’s Verdict

Making Change Stick is essential reading for any school leader who is serious about sustainable improvement. It is research-informed yet highly practical, offering a roadmap that leaders can trust. Dr James Mannion has written a book that will save schools time, energy, and resources, while ultimately improving outcomes for children and young people.

We think every leadership team should have a copy on their shelf.