Moving on from Headship: Where to Start
Many of us with careers in education entered the field expecting to remain in teaching or educational leadership. Our passion for teaching and the knowledge that quality education changes lives are compelling reasons to stay.
However, careers in education are deeply personal. They’re not just a means to economic stability; they are expressions of who we are, what we care about, and the contributions we want to make in the world.
Addressing Uncertainty: Why It's Hard to Leave Headship
Sometimes, uncertainty about what comes next keeps us anchored in a role that no longer fulfills us. Fear of exploring uncharted territory can make moving on difficult.
While education is often seen as a lifelong vocation, recent figures show many school leaders leave within five years. Common reasons include pay not reflecting responsibility, increasing workloads, and concerns about wellbeing.
Data from teaching unions highlights that 21% of school leaders leave due to pay constraints, inflation, and its impact on mental health.
Exploring Career Options After Headship
School leaders have many transferable skills, whether they choose to remain in education or transition to a different sector. Common career paths for former headteachers include:
- Entrepreneurship: Starting their own business or becoming an EdTech CEO.
- Education Consultancy: Advising schools on improvement strategies.
- Civil Service: Roles in public administration.
- Academic Work: University lecturing or leading teacher training programs.
- Voluntary Sector: Leadership roles in charities or nonprofits.
Read my in-depth Article about Careers after Headship here.
Key Questions to Consider When Transitioning
If you’re considering leaving headship, here are important questions to reflect on:
- Is it possible to leave headship and maintain your salary?
- Can I still contribute to children and young people while stepping away from headship?
- How can I make a meaningful contribution while maintaining the lifestyle I want?
- What career paths are right for me?
The Art of Possibility: Keeping an Open Mind
The Art of Possibility by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander encourages adopting an abundance mindset and keeping doors open for life-changing opportunities. This mindset is crucial when exploring new career ventures.
The Beyond Headship Programme: A Tailored Career Transition Plan
The Beyond Headship Programme helps participants navigate career transitions through a structured design-thinking process. The program equips you with a tailored career plan and step-by-step guidance.
What You’ll Gain from the Beyond Headship Programme:
- Discover Your WHY: Identify what energizes you and enables wholehearted living.
- Define Your Future: Envision a new and preferred career path.
- Design an Action Plan: Create a realistic plan to achieve your goals.
The Beyond Headship Programme was developed specifically for headteachers and school leaders ready to explore new ideas and career possibilities.
Learn More:
To find out more or register, visit Beyond Headship Programme.
We hope to see you on the programme soon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are common career options for former headteachers?
Former headteachers often explore roles in education consultancy, entrepreneurship, the civil service, academia, or nonprofit leadership.
Can I leave headship and maintain my current salary?
Maintaining your salary depends on your new career path and role. Consider interim consultancy work or leadership roles that match your experience.
How do I transition my skills from headship to another field?
Focus on transferable skills like leadership, strategic planning, staff development, and public speaking. These are highly valued across sectors.
How can I plan a successful career transition?
Consider joining programs like the Beyond Headship Programme, which offers tailored career planning, design thinking, and action steps for a smooth transition.
