There has been a period of relative calm in the government education agenda following the succession of Secretaries of State for Education last year. A welcome pre-election breathing point perhaps. The same cannot be said for school activity which continues to be exceptionally busy. Schools cannot afford to stand still. I was recently reflecting how much has changed (for the better) since graded lesson observations were replaced by a more formative forms of feedback and how much has happened in the space of pupil mental health and well-being over the last decade.

Whilst the principles remain much the same, what is accepted as strong practice has changed and teachers who have stood still have fallen behind. Sustaining an internal momentum among school staff at a time when energy levels are low and there are so many other competing pressures is not easy. Even more so at this end of the year when there can be movement of staff and a sense of ‘getting through’ the final month. At the same time the cycle of academic years, and passing cohorts, offers a convenient platform for review and renewal.

With a relatively young workforce in London schools, identifying and nurturing those with the ambition to drive change can be a very rewarding process. A sense of healthy curiosity amongst staff is an indicator of a self-sustaining school that is seeking to challenge the status quo. Experienced school leaders who maintain a sense of intellectual energy despite the day to day grind, are often those who remain very connected to classrooms, also to the work going on around them in other schools. We are after all, all frustrated teachers in one way or another.

Schools offer a unique space with the autonomy to try different things and receive feedback directly from the recipients. I was in Kingsgate School earlier this week, and seeing the Early Years there reminded me so much about what is tangible and great about well thought through school activity, more so the sense of endless energy that children exude. If you are feeling a sense of inertia over the next few weeks, take advantage of the privilege that you have, to spend some time in the classroom and be inspired by what pupils are telling you.

Thank you as always for everything that you do, the end of the term is in sight!

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning