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Leaders

Schools and colleges need to be effectively led by leaders and managers who are well supported and developed to meet and succeed in an immensely challenging education environment.

The National Education Union is the largest education union in Europe. School leaders and college managers are vital to the NEU as they are in a strong position to influence and implement policy. The union sees the great value of supporting and helping to develop ethical leaders who lead and shape the future of education.

The NEU understands the complex and professionally demanding work done by school leaders and college managers. We offer advice that will assist leaders in overcoming these challenges.   

We support leaders in standing together with other educational professionals to inform NEU policy that benefits teaching and learning and the education system.

Ofsted

Join the NEU and a coalition of school leaders, national organisations, ex-school inspectors, trade unions, academics and Professor Julia Waters, whose sister Ruth Perry died in 2023 to call for a new system to replace Ofsted – one that is supportive, effective and fair.

Join the coalition

Since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, several critical issues have emerged that demand significant attention from school leaders. Among these, “supporting staff wellbeing and mental health” stands out, as the ongoing challenges have highlighted the need for adequate resources and supportive measures to help educators cope with heightened stress and anxiety. To read more of the challenges and gain further insights, read our report on School Leadership in Current Times: As School Leaders See It.

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Middle leaders

Heads of department, curriculum leaders, SENCOs and ECT mentors flourish in their roles when they are provided with adequate time, development opportunities and collaborative support.

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Belonging and leadership

The NEU’s ‘Belonging’ research highlights that where school leaders developed an intentional approach focused on changing learning and teaching.

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Making schools sustainable

Simple adaptations to education buildings can help meet climate targets, make buildings more resilient to climate change, more energy efficient and healthier places to work and learn.

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Trauma-informed practice and approach

A toolkit with resources and information on understanding trauma’s impact, supporting affected students, and creating inclusive, safe environments in education settings.

Code of ethical practice in leadership

Ethical leadership should be at the heart of everything we do. Staff and students will only experience support and care if school leaders are ethically motivated and well-prepared for their roles.

Keeping ethics at the heart of your practice

As a leader, you may find yourself pulled between what you believe is right, what the students need, what other members of the senior leadership team expect, what school or college policy dictates and what the Government or law requires.

Wellbeing: leading and managing a well workplace

The wellbeing of school and college leaders and their organisation are inextricably linked. Once the leadership is coming from the ‘right place’ the foundation is set to develop the wellbeing of the organisation.

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