A Guide for Headteachers Considering a Career Shift

Introduction: Stepping Beyond Headship

Leaving headship is not just a job change; it’s a significant life transition. Many headteachers wrestle with questions about identity, financial security, and future purpose. This guide is designed to help you explore your options with clarity and confidence, ensuring you make a smooth transition into a fulfilling new career.

Understanding Your Why

Before diving into career options, take time to reflect on your reasons for considering a change:

Are you feeling burned out, or simply ready for a new challenge?
Do you want a better work-life balance?
Is there another field that excites you?
Are you being pushed away by pressures, or pulled toward a new purpose?

Identifying your motivations will help you make a more informed and intentional decision about leaving headship and pursuing an alternate path as a former headteacher.

Identifying Your Transferable Skills

Headteachers develop a wealth of transferable skills that are highly valuable in many sectors:

Leadership & Strategy: Managing teams, driving vision, and strategic planning. Read more about Leadership
Communication: Public speaking, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
Coaching & Mentoring: Developing people, managing performance, and fostering growth.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Handling crises and making data-driven decisions.
Budget & Operations Management: Overseeing resources, financial planning, and compliance.

Recognising these strengths will help you position yourself for careers after headship.

Exploring New Career Paths After Headship

Many former headteachers successfully transition into roles such as:

Education Consultancy – Advising schools, training teachers, or working in policy development.
Corporate Training & Leadership Development – Coaching executives and leading professional development.
Public Sector & Charity Leadership – Managing educational charities, local government, or policy roles.
HR & Organisational Development – Supporting recruitment, employee engagement, and leadership training.
Entrepreneurship – Starting a coaching, consultancy, or education-related business.

Exploring these alternative paths can open doors to fulfilling opportunities outside of traditional school leadership.

Overcoming Common Fears About Leaving Headship

Many headteachers worry about leaving a well-defined career path. Here’s how to reframe common fears:

“I’m too specialised in education.” → Your leadership and problem-solving skills are widely valued.
“I don’t know where to start.” → Begin with small steps—networking, upskilling, or part-time work in a new field.
“I need financial security.” → Build a financial runway by planning your transition strategically.
“I don’t have a clear plan yet.” → Career shifts are iterative—explore, test, and adjust as needed.

Using Gerard Egan’s Skilled Helper Model to Plan Your Move

This structured approach can help you navigate career change:

Stage 1: What’s Going On? – Clarify why you want a change and what’s holding you back.
Stage 2: What Does a Better Future Look Like? – Identify options and opportunities.
Stage 3: How Do I Get There? – Take concrete steps to explore and transition into a new role.

Applying this model ensures a methodical and strategic approach to career transition.

Building a Practical Transition Plan

Financial Planning: Assess savings, pensions, and possible income streams.
Professional Development: Identify gaps in knowledge and consider upskilling.
Networking: Connect with former educators who have transitioned successfully.
Experimentation: Try small projects, consultancy, or volunteering in a new field.

Taking these steps will ease your transition and help you establish a new professional identity.

Embracing Change with Confidence

David Whyte reminds us: “Often to make a living we have to risk ourselves on the world.” Career change is a journey of self-discovery. Instead of waiting for certainty, take small steps and remain open to possibilities. Your leadership, resilience, and passion for impact don’t disappear when you leave headship—they evolve into something new.

Next Steps: Where to Begin?

Write down three career paths that interest you.
Identify one action you can take this week to explore a new opportunity.
Reach out to someone who has transitioned from education to another field.

Your skills, experience, and values are valuable beyond headship. What’s your next move?

Frequently Asked Questions: Career Options After Leaving Headship

What careers can I pursue after headship?

Former headteachers transition into education consultancy, corporate training, charity leadership, HR, and even entrepreneurship.

How can I prepare for a career change after headship?

Start by identifying your transferable skills, exploring alternative career paths, networking with professionals, and investing in professional development.

Is financial security a major concern when leaving headship?

Yes, which is why financial planning is essential. Assess savings, pensions, and explore income streams like consultancy or training roles.

Do I need additional qualifications for a new career after headship?

It depends on your chosen path. Some roles may require certifications, while others value experience and leadership skills.

How long does it take to transition out of headship?

Timelines vary, but many headteachers take 6-12 months to plan and execute their career shift effectively.

By addressing these questions, you can approach your career transition with greater clarity and confidence.