Transitioning from Headship Successfully: New Horizons

Introduction

Stepping away from headship is a big decision and comes with a mix of emotions. There’s the excitement of new possibilities, the relief of leaving behind the relentless demands of the role, and perhaps some uncertainty about what’s next.

For years, you’ve dedicated yourself to leading a school, supporting staff, and making a real impact. But if you’re now ready for a change, you may wonder what energizes you, what kind of work sparks your interest, and how to shape the next chapter in a way that feels right.

The leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills you’ve honed as a headteacher are in demand across many sectors. Whether you want to stay in education or transition into a new field, this post explores key ideas to help you transition successfully from headship.

Self-Reflection & Career Exploration after Headship

Before making your next move, take time to reflect on:

• Your strengths and passions
• The aspects of leadership you enjoy the most
• Whether you want to stay in education or explore a new sector

Useful resources: Coaching programs (e.g., Beyond Headship), career workshops, and self-assessment tools.

Identifying Transferable Skills from Headship

As a headteacher, you’ve developed valuable skills that translate across industries:

• Leadership & Strategic Planning – Ideal for senior roles in education, charities, or businesses.
• People Management & Training – Suited for consultancy, coaching, HR, or higher education.
• Data Analysis & School Improvement – Useful for policy-making, school inspection, or advisory roles.
• Public Speaking & Communication – Great for consulting, public sector leadership, or publishing.

Exploring Career Options After Headship

Here are some career options and salary expectations for headteachers transitioning into new roles:

1. Executive Headteacher / CEO of a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)

Responsibilities: Oversee multiple schools, set strategy, and ensure high standards.
Salary: £80,000 - £150,000+ in the UK, depending on trust size.

2. Education Consultant

Responsibilities: Provide advice to schools, conduct training, and improve teaching standards.
Salary: £300 - £800 per day (self-employed consultants can earn six figures annually).

3. Ofsted Inspector / School Improvement Advisor

Responsibilities: Evaluate schools and help improve performance.
Salary: £50,000 - £90,000 (Ofsted) or £300 - £600 per day (freelance advisors).

4. Director of Education / Local Authority Role

Responsibilities: Oversee schools at a council or regional level.
Salary: £75,000 - £120,000.

5. University Lecturer / Teacher Trainer

Responsibilities: Train future teachers and conduct educational research.
Salary: £40,000 - £80,000.

6. Corporate Roles in Education (e.g., Publishing, EdTech)

Responsibilities: Develop educational products, lead strategy, or manage partnerships.
Salary: £60,000 - £120,000+.

Tip: Connect with former headteachers who have transitioned successfully to gain insights.

Networking & Professional Development

Networking is key when transitioning from headship:

• Join networks like ASCL, NAHT, or LinkedIn groups.
• Attend education and leadership conferences.
• Connect with former headteachers who have moved into new roles.

Upskilling Tip: If transitioning to a new sector, consider relevant qualifications like coaching certifications, HR courses, or business leadership training.

Updating Your CV & Preparing for Interviews

Tailor your CV and interview style for new roles:

• Highlight your impact (e.g., "Led a school improvement plan that raised Ofsted rating from Requires Improvement to Good").
• Use business-friendly language if transitioning outside education.
• Customize your CV for each role.
• Practice interview responses for non-education sectors.

Tip: Work with a coach for personalized feedback and support.

Testing the Waters Before Fully Committing

Unsure about a complete career change? Start with:

• Freelance consultancy or interim roles
• Volunteering in new sectors
• Shadowing professionals in your target field

This helps you gain real-world experience before committing to a full transition.

Final Thoughts on Transitioning from Headship

Transitioning from headship can feel daunting, but with self-reflection, planning, and networking, many headteachers find fulfilling new opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are common career options after leaving headship?

Former headteachers often explore roles in education consultancy, executive leadership, corporate education roles, or nonprofit management.

2. Can I maintain my salary after transitioning from headship?

Maintaining your salary depends on your new career path. Roles like MAT CEO, education consultancy, and corporate leadership often offer competitive salaries.

3. How can I identify the right career after headship?

Start with self-reflection and explore your passions, transferable skills, and values. Programs like Beyond Headship can guide this process.

4. How can I prepare my CV for non-education roles?

Emphasise leadership, strategy, and impact in your CV. Use business-friendly language and tailor your CV to each role.

5. What are the benefits of testing new roles before committing?

Freelancing, volunteering, or shadowing allows you to explore new careers without fully committing, offering insight into potential opportunities.