Careers After Headship: What’s Next for Former Headteachers?
Careers After Headship: A Complete Guide
Many headteachers find themselves at a crossroads, wondering, "Should I stay or should I go?" It’s a deeply personal decision. If you’re facing this transition, having a structured approach can help you clarify your next steps for careers after headship.
Leaving headship can feel overwhelming, especially if you believed it was your ultimate career goal. However, many headteachers reach a point where they question whether staying aligns with their values, is sustainable, or continues to be fulfilling. Below are key considerations to help guide your decision-making process.
Facing the Career Shift: When You Thought You’d Always Be a School Leader
Career changes are more common than ever. Most people today make three to five career shifts in their lifetime -a helpful reminder that you’re not alone.
Key Reflection Questions:
- Which aspects of headship fulfil me, and what drains me?
- What are my core skills, and how can they transfer to another field?
- Am I ready to take the risk of stepping into something unfamiliar?
The skills you’ve gained, strategic thinking, financial and risk management, staff development, public speaking, and working across agencies, are all highly transferable to new contexts. These capabilities can open doors to a variety of career options.
Your Financial Runway: Can You Afford to Leave Headship?
Financial security is one of the biggest concerns for headteachers considering a career change. Understanding your financial position is essential before making a leap.
Key Financial Questions to Consider:
- Do I have enough savings to support a transition period?
- What changes can I make to reduce my current spending?
- Can I take a short-term break before transitioning to a new role?
- Should I explore part-time or consultancy work to maintain income?
- How will leaving headship impact my pension?
Planning your exit in advance is crucial. Many people who set up businesses later in life often say they wish they’d started planning two years earlier.
Interim Roles and Upskilling:
Interim roles such as educational consultancy or short-term contracts can provide stability while exploring long-term options. Be ready to invest in your personal development, whether through courses or certifications, to enhance your employability and broaden your network.
A Different Rhythm to Work and Life
One of the main reasons headteachers leave the role is the relentless workload. Many seek careers that allow them to reclaim evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Considering Entrepreneurship:
Running your own business brings a level of uncertainty. It’s important to talk with entrepreneurs to understand the realities before jumping in. Common business ventures for former headteachers include:
- Education Consultancy: Advising schools on strategy, leadership, curriculum, or inspection preparation.
- Development and Training: Designing and facilitating workshops on leadership, communication, or team-building in business or public sectors.
- Writing and Public Speaking: Turning experiences into books, blogs, or keynote talks.
Understand how your business will make money, having a passion or idea is not enough on its own.
Employment Options:
For those seeking more structured roles, common career paths include:
- Charity & Nonprofit Leadership: Applying leadership skills in mission-driven organisations.
- Academic Work and Teaching: Working at universities in teacher training or school leadership.
- Civil Service or Local Government: Public administration roles that may or may not be education-related.
Key Reflection Questions:
- What kind of work schedule do I want?
- Do I thrive in flexible or structured environments?
- How much travel am I willing to do?
- Is employment or a business venture right for me?
Finding Fulfilment in Careers after headship
Many former headteachers worry they won’t find the same sense of purpose outside of schools. However, fulfilment isn’t about the title, it’s about the impact you make and the legacy you leave.
Redefining success on your own terms can be both empowering and liberating. As poet David Whyte suggests, "To risk ourselves on the world" is part of truly living. The real question isn’t just "What will I do next?" but "Who do I want to become?"
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common career options for former headteachers?
Many former headteachers transition into roles such as education consultancy, nonprofit leadership, academic positions, or civil service roles. Some also explore entrepreneurship, public speaking, or writing.
How can I financially prepare for leaving headship?
Assess your savings, review your pension, and consider any potential changes to your spending. You may also want to explore interim roles or part-time consultancy work to maintain income during the transition.
How do I transfer my headship skills to a new career?
Focus on highlighting transferable skills such as leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and crisis management. These are highly valued across many industries.
How can I find fulfilment after leaving headship?
Fulfilment comes from the impact you make rather than your job title. Reflect on what drives you and seek roles or ventures that align with your core values and desired lifestyle.
Making the decision to leave headship is not easy, but it’s also an opportunity to start a new chapter filled with growth and purpose.
Further Reading and Resources
Roadmap Your Life After Headship...
The Beyond Headship Programme has been developed by Helen Woodward for headteachers and school leaders ready to explore new ideas and possibilities, seeking their path to a new future.
During the programme you’ll work through a design thinking process towards a new working life, looking at careers after headship. Through the activities and online coaching the focus will be on:
