At Steed Education we believe that an Interim Head should be more more than a safe pair of hands.

Interim Headship

Interim or locum headships are becoming more common as the rate of turnover of heads increases and recruitment lead times take longer. This relatively new phenomenon should be understood against the backdrop that there is a growing global shortage of leadership talent as fewer people have the requisite breadth of skills, or are willing to take on the range of responsibilities that come with modern headship. 

In this context, it is not surprising that Boards and owners have begun to look beyond asking the deputy to step up and hold the fort; instead they are choosing to draw on the growing pool of former headteachers who are willing bring their experience to the role for the short-term. 

Interim heads work best when they have a familiarity with the school’s context and is aligned with its ethos. Running a rural boarding prep school can require a different skill set from a busy prep in south London, or indeed from a prep school in Dubai. Prior knowledge and experience is essential. Above all heads need to have a good understanding of the concerns of staff, what parents are looking for; and, in the context of international prep schools, of the regulatory framework in which they are operating.  

More than a safe pair of hands

We all know from inspections that seasoned professionals can get under the skin of the school very quickly, accurately weighing up a schools strengths and weaknesses. How much more can an interim head do this over a period of one to three terms? 

An inter-regnum provides a valuable opportunity for a school to take stock of where it is. An interim head should be able to provide their permanent successor with an objective evaluation of what issues need to be addressed. 

Every head brings a range of expertise that is borne out of their career journey and the school which they have led. Some are great at raising standards in numeracy, whereas others have experience in driving the use of technology in the classroom.  

Why Steed Education? Case Study

Samantha was appointed via Steed Education as an Associate/ Interim head at Repton Dubai Junior School for two terms from January to July 2024, supporting the school as it transitioned to being part of the Cognita family of schools.

During her tenure at Repton Dubai Junior School she prepared and led the school through a DSIB [Dubai Schools Inspection Board] Ofsted-style inspection. She also designed learning environments beyond the classroom to increase opportunities for 21st century learning. Furthermore she reviewed the use of digital devices and, working with Edruption, a digital technology specialist, upgraded the school’s digital literacy curriculum.

If you would like more information about Interim and Locum Headships, please email enquiries@steededucation.com; or complete the online form.