A true privilege

It has been an honour to serve you as ASCL President over the past year, advocating for changes to shape the future of education and representing over 25,000 school and college leaders. I’ve been lucky enough to see the great work done by many of you.
 
One of the highlights of my presidency was speaking at ASCL’s Annual Conference in March where I had the opportunity to speak truth to power, and challenge the status quo, urging those in power to take action for the future of our children.
 
Additionally, if the government wishes to meet its aim that no child should be left behind because of their background, and if we want to live in a nation where everyone can succeed, then the government must sufficiently fund our schools and colleges.
 
Never have the demands placed on leaders been so great. More children arrive at our gates not ‘school ready’. Many of us are drowning because we can’t offer students with SEND the appropriate support they deserve, and vacancies in our schools and colleges are at an all-time high.
 
School and college leaders are among the most optimistic and resourceful people in our society, but we need the tools to do the job.
 
Our accountability system now leans too far on punishment and judgement when we need a system that encourages collaboration and ethical leadership and celebrates the many successes in our education system.
 
And recently, with the drama series Adolescence, which premiered on Netflix, there has been a great deal said about the poor behaviour and attitudes of young people today.
 
I have spent almost my entire working life with young people, and I have to say I see something very different to the headlines: I see kindness, creativity, humour, and huge potential in young people. It’s important not to lose sight that the overwhelming majority of young people do amazing things every day.
 
As we reflect on the opportunities and challenges before us, I draw strength from Desmond Tutu’s famous words: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” The work we do today, paired with the right government actions, will lead to the brighter future we all seek.
 
Thank you for supporting me over the year.