Introducing the National Head Teacher Associations’ Network
In January 2025 the Chair and Co-ordinator of the Norfolk School Leaders’ Association, Jess Balado and Kirsty Savage, reached out to invite Headteacher Associations from all school phases to establish a national network. Their vision was that by coming together, Headteacher Associations could amplify the support offered to school leaders in their respective regions and, at the same time, provide a strong voice from headteachers and school leaders across England.
It has been agreed that aim of the group is to create a forum for termly discussions where we can:
- Share best practice and insights from our respective regions
- Explore solutions to common challenges faced by education professionals across the country
- Foster opportunities for school leaders to learn from one another
- Use our powerful, apolitical voice to ensure that Government hears directly from headteachers collectively representing the interests of schools, staff and pupils
At the first meeting in January headteachers and representatives from around 15 counties and local authorities met to discuss the establishment of the group, and it was immediately clear that different associations are structured and funded in a variety of ways: some are entirely led by headteachers volunteering their time, whilst others employ professional officers to manage the association. Some are funded by their local authorities, other by subscribing schools, and a few through a top-slice from the Schools Block agreed by headteachers and the local Schools Forum.
Whatever the structure, it is obvious that headteacher associations are valued by their school leaders, and can offer great support, CPD opportunities, advice and guidance from those who really understand the day to day role and challenges of being a headteacher.
As well as sharing experience and expertise - including a helpful list of recommended conference presenters! – it was agreed that the initially the network should focus on the key issues that schools are struggling with: school funding is a challenge for all, and many schools are facing reduced services, staffing levels and, in some cases, an uncertain future. The HTAN is developing a survey which will be circulated by each Association to their headteachers, which we hope will create a powerful and persuasive argument to MPs and Central Government about the need for better funding and improved services for schools, to ensure the best possible outcomes for all children and young people. The group acknowledges and welcomes the recent announcements about additional funding, but such is the scale of the funding shortfall that we are determined to keep those that hold the purse strings and local MPs fully aware of the reality facing school leaders.
Another problem that impacts hugely on the capacity and wellbeing of school leaders is the volume of complaints that they receive, and the challenge of resolving those and maintaining relationships with sometimes very demanding complainants. We are still waiting for revised guidance from Government, and hope that this will acknowledge the impact that complaints have on schools, particularly when they are vexatious or malicious. The Network will gather best practice from across the country to ensure that school leaders are advised and supported when they manage complaints, and we can feedback to local authorities and the DfE the impact of complaints on our headteachers.
Headteacher wellbeing will of course be an absolute priority for the group, and the network members will share and learn from each other how they support their school leaders to manage and thrive in their challenging role.
The Network has made a great start with 17 areas/authorities signed up, but we know that are many more out there. We are asking representatives from all Headteacher Associations to contact us and join the group. The Head Teacher Associations’ Network is open to all recognised headteacher-specific professional associations across the country, separate from unions and local authorities. We are determined to represent all schools: whether maintained or academy, and all phases: primary, secondary and special schools across the country.
Please email Jess Balado (Chair of the Network) at head@thurlton.org to add your Association to the Network, and to add your support to this exciting new group; we hope that it will prove to be a powerful voice in the world of education.