Headteachering by Simon Botten – Book Review

Headteachering is a brutally honest, insightful, and often moving exploration of what it truly means to lead a school. Unlike polished leadership manuals that gloss over the grit, Simon (and the contributing case studies) lay bare the exhaustion, dilemmas, and deep humanity behind the headteacher’s role.

Strengths of the Book

• Radical honesty: The book does not shy away from failure. Chapters like Spotting systemic problems and Managing the stress of the job reveal the personal cost of leadership, tackling issues such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burnout. Instead of simply prescribing solutions, the author shares raw experiences that make the lessons relatable and deeply authentic.
• Practical wisdom: Each section concludes with clear Key Takeaways and Reflection Tasks. These aren’t tick-box activities; they challenge the reader to rethink their vision, communication with parents, and even their own wellbeing. Whether it’s financial planning, talent management, or building parental trust, the advice is grounded in lived experience.
• Balance of vulnerability and authority: Some of the most compelling passages are where leaders admit doubt, stress, and even despair — but then show how they recovered. Quotes like “Leadership isn’t always about ‘doing’ – it is about ‘being’” and “I have never yet got into trouble for being honest” capture the balance of courage and humility required of headteachers.
• Case studies that resonate: Stories from leaders like Dave McParlin, Ro O’Reilly, and Krystie Stubbs bring breadth to the book. They show how different schools, communities, and leaders face unique pressures, yet grapple with universal truths about legacy, resilience, and wellbeing.

Standout Quotes

• “Supporting disadvantaged families is a privilege, not a problem.”
• “Whether you think you can, or think that you can’t, you’re probably right.”
• “Make plans when the sun shines… and embrace the chaos when the storm howls.”
• “The most dangerous moment for any successful school is the year after a successful Ofsted inspection.”
• “Leadership isn’t about being irreplaceable to your school but being irreplaceable to your family.”

Tone and Impact

The tone is candid, at times humorous, and often deeply poignant. Readers will recognise themselves in the moments of self-doubt, the weary humour about “budget stress,” and the poignant reflections on legacy. What sets Headteachering apart is its unflinching humanity: this is not just a leadership guide, but a survival manual for the heart and soul of school leadership.

Verdict

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

 Headteachering deserves to be on the desk of every current and aspiring headteacher. It is part handbook, part therapy session, and part call-to-arms — reminding us that while headship is one of the toughest jobs in education, it is also one of the most vital, impactful, and profoundly human.