Headship After Hours

Paul Collin
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This podcast is for headteachers, executive heads and trust leaders who want to lead well without losing themselves in the process. I'm Paul Collin, former head and leadership coach. I talk about isolation, pressure, governing bodies, staff dynamics, attendance and the inner work of staying grounded. I also run a funded Senior Attendance & Leadership Resilience Check for heads in complex schools — for when attendance feels fragile and rests on too few people. Apply now → https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/

  1. The Monday Morning Attendance Trap

    3d ago

    The Monday Morning Attendance Trap

    Why does opening the attendance dashboard on a Monday morning feel like a verdict rather than information? Most heads aren't short on effort when it comes to attendance. The harder truth: so much of it often rests on one or two people — and when that's the case, it never feels steady, however hard everyone works. That's the work I do. I run a funded Senior Attendance & Leadership Resilience Check for headteachers and trust leaders in complex schools. It starts with a short strategic assessment. For eligible schools, it opens into a full process: On-site school visitDetailed, school-specific reportFollow-up strategy sessionPractical leadership tools for a clear 90-day plan Typically valued at £1,000 — currently funded for eligible schools. Apply here → https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/ In this episode of Headship After Hours, we explore the emotional weight many school leaders attach to attendance data and why a single percentage point can influence confidence, decision-making and school culture. Attendance matters deeply. But leaders are often held accountable for outcomes they can influence, not fully control. That tension creates pressure, encourages reactive leadership and can lead schools to chase weekly fluctuations instead of long-term improvement. This episode explores: Why Monday morning attendance reviews feel emotionally chargedAccountability versus control in school leadershipReading trends instead of reacting to weekly spikesBuilding confidence through strong attendance systemsCreating a calmer, more sustainable attendance cultureThe strongest attendance leaders don't ignore the numbers. They learn to read them with clarity, proportion and confidence. Timestamos 00:00 – Why Monday Morning Attendance Feels Like Judgment00:59 – When One Percentage Carries Too Much Weight01:56 – Accountability Without Full Control02:47 – Stop Chasing Weekly Attendance Spikes03:06 – Attendance Leadership Resilience Check04:00 – Reading Data Like a Skilled Clinician04:49 – Signal vs Noise in Attendance Data05:27 – Three Questions Every Leader Should Ask06:09 – Creating a Calm Attendance Culture06:24 – Replace Dread With Grip07:07 – Attendance Lives in Everyday Practice07:42 – Build Systems, Not Heroics08:10 – Strategic Alignment Across Your Team08:57 – Confidence Changes Attendance Leadership09:30 – Attendance Is Really About Culture10:11 – Redesign the Conditions, Not Just the Response10:27 – When Data Stops Feeling Like Judgment

    12 min
  2. Pressure Doesn't Break Schools. It Changes Leaders.

    Jul 3

    Pressure Doesn't Break Schools. It Changes Leaders.

    Pressure rarely arrives dramatically. It accumulates quietly. In this episode of Headship After Hours, we explore one of the most overlooked realities of school leadership: pressure changes leaders long before it changes schools. Most heads aren't short on effort when it comes to attendance. The harder truth: so much of it often rests on one or two people — and when that's the case, it never feels steady, however hard everyone works. That's the work I do. I run a funded Senior Attendance & Leadership Resilience Check for headteachers and trust leaders in complex schools. It starts with a short strategic assessment. For eligible schools, it opens into a full process: On-site school visitDetailed, school-specific reportFollow-up strategy sessionPractical leadership tools for a clear 90-day plan Typically valued at £1,000 — currently funded for eligible schools. Apply here → https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/ As accountability, attendance, behaviour, staffing and parental expectations continue to increase, many leaders unknowingly shift from reflective to reactive leadership. Over time, that pressure changes relationships, decision-making, emotional regulation and ultimately the culture of the school. In this episode, we explore: • Why leadership pressure quietly reshapes school culture• Emotional regulation versus emotional suppression• Psychological safety and staff retention• Why behaviour and attendance improve when people feel safe• How leaders can create emotional predictability during challenging times Schools don't simply respond to strategy. They respond to emotional climate. This episode is for headteachers, senior leaders and trust leaders who want to lead sustainably while protecting both themselves and the cultures they are building. Timestamps 00:00 – Pressure Changes the Leader First01:03 – Why This Podcast Exists02:08 – Leadership Behaviour Shapes School Culture02:52 – When Schools Begin Operating Through Anxiety03:09 – Attendance and Leadership Alignment04:12 – The Hidden Weight of Modern Headship04:59 – How Pressure Changes Leadership Behaviour05:52 – Why Schools Feel Pressure So Deeply06:29 – Systems vs Emotional Culture07:05 – Toughness Is Not the Same as Resilience07:44 – Psychological Safety in Schools08:12 – Schools Need Regulated Leaders08:45 – Emotional Safety Changes Everything09:07 – Emotional Containment Explained09:51 – When Leaders Stop Processing Pressure10:25 – Why Urgency Destroys Culture11:06 – Leadership Drift Under Pressure11:43 – The Question Every Leader Should Ask12:02 – Schools Respond to Emotional Climate

    13 min
  3. Steve Willshaw: What Secondary Schools Miss About Reading

    Jun 26

    Steve Willshaw: What Secondary Schools Miss About Reading

    What do schools really know about their readers? In this episode of Headship After Hours, Paul is joined by Steve Willshaw to explore reading culture, literacy leadership, school transition and the importance of recognising the rich reading histories that pupils bring with them into secondary education. Most heads aren't short on effort when it comes to attendance. The harder truth: so much of it often rests on one or two people — and when that's the case, it never feels steady, however hard everyone works. That's the work I do. I run a funded Senior Attendance & Leadership Resilience Check for headteachers and trust leaders in complex schools. It starts with a short strategic assessment. For eligible schools, it opens into a full process: On-site school visitDetailed, school-specific reportFollow-up strategy sessionPractical leadership tools for a clear 90-day planTypically valued at £1,000 — currently funded for eligible schools. Apply here → https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/ In this episode, Steve shares the story behind the nationally recognised Rooted in Reading project and explains why reading passports, transition work and intellectual equity matter more than ever in today's schools. Together, they discuss how schools can create stronger reading cultures, support literacy development and ensure that young people are not treated as blank slates when they move between phases of education. The conversation also explores Steve's four leadership pillars: • Radical Simplicity• Intellectual Equity• Relational Agency• Professional Craft Alongside a deep dive into Functional Fluency, coaching, behaviour, relationships and how educators can move from reacting to responding. This episode is for headteachers, literacy leaders, English teachers, curriculum leaders and anyone passionate about reading, equity and school improvement. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, culture, attendance, behaviour and sustainable school improvement. 00:00 – The Reading Histories Schools Miss01:12 – Steve Willshaw’s Journey Into Education03:03 – Inclusivity, Equity and Early Leadership Lessons05:26 – Keeping Leadership Simple06:43 – The Four Leadership Pillars08:32 – The Story Behind Rooted in Reading12:53 – Reading Passports and Literacy Culture16:24 – Why Reading Transition Matters19:30 – Professional Craft and School Context20:31 – What Is Functional Fluency?25:11 – Radical Simplicity Explained26:20 – Intellectual Equity and Ambitious Curriculum30:41 – Relational Agency in Schools32:34 – Professional Craft and Teacher Development36:32 – The Functionally Fluent Teacher43:31 – Steve’s Advice for School Leaders46:20 – Respond More, React Less #HeadshipAfterHours #Literacy #SchoolLeadership #ReadingForPleasure #EducationPodcast #SchoolImprovement #Curriculum #ReadingCulture #Transition #SteveWillshaw

    48 min
  4. The School Always Knows

    Jun 19

    The School Always Knows

    Before attendance drops, before behaviour shifts, before staff morale declines, the school already knows. I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure. It begins with a short strategic assessment. If eligible, this leads to a full review process including: • On-site school visit• Detailed, school-specific report• Follow-up strategy session• Practical leadership tools Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/ In this episode of Headship After Hours, we explore one of the most overlooked aspects of school leadership: emotional climate. Schools are highly sensitive environments. Students, staff and families respond not only to systems and policies, but to leadership presence, consistency and emotional regulation. This episode explores why leadership is not just strategic — it is atmospheric. We discuss: • How schools absorb leadership emotionally• Why culture changes before leaders notice• The role of trust, consistency and psychological safety• Why behaviour and attendance often reflect emotional climate• How leaders unintentionally transmit pressure Sustainable school improvement is not just about systems. It is about creating a culture where trust, stability and emotional consistency can thrive. Timestamps 00:00 – Before the School Tells You, It Knows02:43 – Schools Are Emotionally Sensitive Systems03:20 – Leadership Presence vs Leadership Strategy03:57 – The Signals Leaders Transmit04:42 – How Culture Changes Quietly04:58 – Why Trust Starts to Erode05:15 – Emotional Problems vs Operational Problems05:33 – Systems Are Interpreted Through Culture05:57 – Children Experience Systems Through Relationships06:17 – Students Detect Inconsistency Fast06:55 – Leadership Is Atmospheric07:14 – What Pressure Does to Leaders07:32 – When the Weather Changes in a School07:48 – Why Psychological Safety Matters08:28 – Leadership Is More Than Formal Moments08:48 – The Power of Micro Interactions09:25 – Schools Stabilise Through Predictable Leadership09:44 – The School Always Knows10:20 – What Emotional Climate Are You Creating?

    12 min
  5. Behaviour and Attendance Follow Adult Behaviour

    Jun 12

    Behaviour and Attendance Follow Adult Behaviour

    Behaviour and attendance are not separate problems. They are reflections of adult practice. I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure. It begins with a short strategic assessment. If eligible, this leads to a full review process including: • On-site school visit • Detailed, school-specific report • Follow-up strategy session • Practical leadership tools Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/ In this episode of Headship After Hours, we explore why behaviour and attendance improvement starts with consistency, relationships and leadership. Across UK schools, leaders face increasing pressure to improve behaviour and attendance. While systems, policies and processes matter, sustainable improvement happens when adult responses become calm, consistent and predictable. This episode explores three key shifts: • Consistency is the foundation • Knowing the child changes the response • Relational practice at scale We discuss the influence of relational practice, the importance of strong pastoral systems, SEND leadership, multi-agency collaboration and why students respond to environments that feel safe, fair and predictable. Sustainable improvement is not built through stronger sanctions alone. It is built through consistent adult behaviour and strong relationships. Timestamps 00:00 – Behaviour and Attendance Start With Adults 02:17 – Why Behaviour and Attendance Remain Challenging 02:54 – Systems vs Student Experience 03:14 – What Relational Practice Really Means 03:53 – Consistency Is the Foundation 04:29 – Why Behaviour Systems Often Fail 04:46 – Stability Creates Improvement 05:02 – Data Describes Patterns, Not Causes 05:18 – Knowing the Child Changes Everything 05:38 – The Role of SEND and Pastoral Leadership 05:55 – Why Multi-Agency Working Matters 06:13 – Relational Practice at Scale 06:58 – Why Students Attend Schools Where They Feel Safe 07:13 – The Problem With Quick Fixes 07:33 – Three Questions Every Leader Should Ask 07:52 – Behaviour and Attendance Are Reflections 08:10 – Leadership Shapes Adult Practice

    9 min
  6. Work-Life Balance Is Lying to Headteachers

    Jun 5

    Work-Life Balance Is Lying to Headteachers

    Work-life balance sounds good in theory. But for most headteachers, it doesn't feel real. I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure. It begins with a short strategic assessment. If eligible, this leads to a full review process including: • On-site school visit• Detailed, school-specific report• Follow-up strategy session• Practical leadership tools Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/ In this episode of Headship After Hours, we explore one of the biggest myths in school leadership: the idea that headship can be neatly balanced. Leadership at this level follows you home. Difficult decisions, safeguarding concerns, staffing challenges and accountability pressures rarely stop when the school day ends. This episode explores why sustainable headship is a better goal than work-life balance and the three shifts that help leaders remain effective over the long term: • Integration over separation• Protecting energy, not just time• Defining an identity beyond the role We discuss leadership sustainability, wellbeing, burnout prevention and why the strongest leaders are not always available — they are consistently effective. Sustainable leadership is not about perfect balance. It is about remaining effective without losing yourself. Timestamps 00:00 – Why Work-Life Balance Feels Impossible02:21 – The Reality of Headship Beyond the School Day03:23 – Why Traditional Boundaries Often Fail03:43 – Stop Chasing Balance04:02 – Shift #1: Focus on Sustainability04:17 – Integration Over Separation04:58 – Shift #2: Protect Your Energy05:36 – Shift #3: Define Life Beyond the Role06:12 – Why Leaders Feel Guilty About Switching Off06:29 – Guilt Is Not a Leadership Strategy06:50 – Effectiveness vs Availability07:06 – Recognising Burnout Before It Arrives07:29 – Three Questions Every Headteacher Should Ask07:52 – Sustainable Leadership Matters More Than Balance

    9 min
  7. Ross McGill on Teacher Workload, Leadership & What Schools Still Get Wrong

    May 29

    Ross McGill on Teacher Workload, Leadership & What Schools Still Get Wrong

    In this episode of Headship After Hours, Paul speaks with Ross McGill — teacher, former deputy headteacher, founder of Teacher Toolkit and one of the most influential voices in education. I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure. It begins with a short strategic assessment. If eligible, this leads to a full review process including: • On-site school visit• Detailed, school-specific report• Follow-up strategy session• Practical leadership tools Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/ Together, they explore:• teacher workload and why schools still struggle to reduce it• leadership, relationships and school culture• feedback, marking and professional trust• AI in education and the future of schools• SEND pressures, wellbeing and teacher retention Ross reflects on his journey through leadership, social media, CPD and educational research — and why relationships remain at the centre of effective school leadership. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for headteachers, senior leaders and educators navigating the realities of modern education. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on school leadership, culture and sustainable headship. Timestamps 00:00 – Leadership, Relationships & School Culture01:05 – Ross McGill’s Journey Into Teaching02:24 – Teacher Toolkit & Early Education Influencing05:22 – Why SLT Chat Went Viral06:13 – Why Ross McGill Connected With Teachers08:55 – The Biggest Lesson in Education10:26 – Difficult Conversations in Leadership11:17 – Learning From Leadership Mistakes14:02 – Teacher Workload & The Five Minute Lesson Plan15:57 – Why Teacher Workload Is Still Rising16:55 – Marking Policies That Damage Teachers17:43 – What Makes Feedback Actually Work19:14 – Metacognition & Learning How to Learn21:46 – Ross McGill’s Proudest Work23:54 – MRI Research, Learning & Cognition25:58 – AI, Literacy & The Future of Schools28:04 – SEND Crisis & School Pressure29:52 – Leadership Advice for Headteachers

    32 min
  8. Rowena Hicks: Why School Staff Burn Out

    May 22

    Rowena Hicks: Why School Staff Burn Out

    In this episode of Headship After Hours, Paul speaks with Rowena Hicks about burnout, workload, staff wellbeing and what it really means for educators to feel seen, heard and valued. I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure. It begins with a short strategic assessment. If eligible, this leads to a full review process including: • On-site school visit• Detailed, school-specific report• Follow-up strategy session• Practical leadership tools Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/ Rowena reflects on more than 30 years in education, from teaching in challenging contexts to becoming a SENCO, deputy head, coach and wellbeing advocate. She shares openly about her own experience of burnout and why school leaders must pay attention not only to workload, but to identity, validation and emotional sustainability. This conversation explores how leaders can reduce unnecessary workload, listen properly to staff, take meaningful action, and build cultures where people notice what is going well — not only what is going wrong. For headteachers and school leaders, this episode asks a powerful question: Has your role become your identity? 00:00 – Why Staff Need to Feel Seen and Heard02:06 – Introducing Rowena Hicks02:47 – Rowena’s Journey in Education03:24 – Burnout as a Deputy Head05:18 – Supporting Vulnerable Children and Trauma06:24 – Adults as the Regulating Force in Schools38:31 – Has Headship Become Your Identity?39:08 – Finding Value Beyond the Role40:03 – How to Connect with Rowena Hicks

    40 min
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About

This podcast is for headteachers, executive heads and trust leaders who want to lead well without losing themselves in the process. I'm Paul Collin, former head and leadership coach. I talk about isolation, pressure, governing bodies, staff dynamics, attendance and the inner work of staying grounded. I also run a funded Senior Attendance & Leadership Resilience Check for heads in complex schools — for when attendance feels fragile and rests on too few people. Apply now → https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Collin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paul Collin
  • Show Website
    Headship After Hours