Over 30 years, I’ve seen first-hand how education can change lives, mine included. This belief continues to shape everything I do as a teacher, leader, and advocate for a profession that remains one of the most vital pillars of our society.
I began my career in 1995, teaching chemistry at a grant-maintained secondary school in Cannock, Staffordshire. Once a mining town, Cannock had suffered greatly following the closure of the coal mines. Unemployment was high, and the lack of large employers in the area meant that many families were experiencing hardship. Despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, the school was a lively and inspiring place to work. It operated across a split site, having been formed from the amalgamation of a former grammar school and a secondary modern. Its roll was expanding rapidly, and with that growth came opportunity.
Over the course of seven years there, I progressed from a newly qualified teacher to roles including examinations secretary, head of science and teacher governor. I eventually left as part of the extended leadership team – a testament to the school’s ethos of nurturing talent and trusting young professionals with real responsibility.
Seeing the bigger picture
My first substantive leadership role came in January 2003 when I was appointed assistant headteacher at Walton High School in Stafford. At the time, the school was led by Sue Kirkham, an inspirational leader who was actively involved in what was then the Secondary Heads Association (SHA), now ASCL. Sue quickly became a mentor to me, encouraging me to think beyond the school gates and to engage with education on a national level.
It wasn’t long before I found myself attending meetings in Central London as Sue’s representative, participating in policy discussions concerning issues such as diplomas and qualifications reform. It was during this time that I came to a realisation that has stayed with me ever since: not all those who make decisions about education actually work in education, or fully understand how it functions day to day. This disconnect can be frustrating, but it also makes it all the more important for those of us within the system to speak up. As school and college leaders, we hold unique expertise and insight. If we want to ensure that education policy serves the best interests of young people, we must use our voice to shape the conversation.
With Sue’s encouragement, I joined SHA Council to contribute more directly to national debates. During this time, the association evolved into the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), reflecting the increasingly diverse and inclusive nature of its membership. I felt proud to be part of an organisation that so clearly aligned with my values – one that combined professional development, advocacy, and support for leaders across all phases and settings.
My drive to pursue a career in education was rooted in my own upbringing. I grew up in Walsall, a working-class community in the West Midlands where formal academic qualifications were rare and few of my peers were particularly interested in school. But I loved learning. I was fascinated by the feeling of discovery, of understanding something new for the first time. That feeling, even now, is one of the most powerful motivators in my life. Education changed the way I saw the world and gave me opportunities that would otherwise have been unimaginable. The life I now lead stands in stark contrast to that of many childhood peers who left education early.
Pride, purpose and the power of representation
It’s those moments of transformation that continue to drive me as a leader. Some of the proudest moments in my career haven’t come from headlines or major initiatives, but from small, deeply personal encounters: a thank you card from a former student now working in medicine or scientific research; a message from someone whose path was changed by a single lesson or a spark of encouragement. Those stories remind me that every classroom interaction can alter a life.
When I took on my Deputy Headteacher role, joining ASCL was an obvious decision. I needed a professional organisation that truly understood the complexities and challenges of school leadership. ASCL has been that support system throughout my leadership career.
ASCL hotline has been a lifeline at times, whether for urgent advice or simply to talk something through (. But just as importantly, ASCL has consistently provided
professional development of the highest calibre, tailored to the evolving demands of leadership.
Trying to stay on top of educational policy while managing the day-to-day demands of a school is no small task. ASCL helps by filtering and simplifying key developments, backed by specialists who do the hard work of interpreting DfE documentation. That kind of support isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. And what sets ASCL apart is its member-driven ethos. Its position statements are developed by members, debated thoroughly at
Council, and constantly refined to reflect the lived experiences of leaders on the ground. I have full confidence that when our General Secretary, Pepe Di’Iasio, speaks, he represents our collective voice with clarity and integrity.
Now, to be elected ASCL President is one of the greatest honours of my professional life. I’m particularly proud to be the first Deputy Headteacher in 40 years to hold the role. This milestone is important because it reinforces that ASCL represents leaders at every level: headteachers, principals, deputies, assistants and beyond. Leadership doesn’t have to be defined by your title, but by your impact.
My theme for this presidential year is ‘Forward Together’. As a new government takes shape, the focus must now shift from ideas to action. Effective change requires collaboration – a shared commitment from school and college leaders, government, communities, and stakeholders. We must come together with common purpose and clarity, united in our desire to give every young person the best possible start in life.
Education has the power to transform lives. I know this, because it transformed mine. And I am committed, through my presidency and beyond, to making sure that power is felt in every classroom, in every school and college, and in every community.
Find out more:
For more about Jo, watch this short video:
www.ascl.org.uk/president
You can hear from Jo at our Annual Conference in March in Liverpool – book your place at:
www.ascl.org.uk/annualconference