How to Be a Successful Deputy Head

Geoff Brookes is Deputy Head of Cefn Hengoed School, Swansea. He has written for York Notes and the book on Dyspraxia for Continuum. He regularly writes in the TES and the Guardian.

'Its relaxed, discursive style ...show[s] how the numerous responsibilities add up to a satisfying - and vital - role in the life of a school.' ~ Kate Williamson, Leadership Focus, Autumn 2006

• Introduction; Why the job is important; Part One. What you have to be.; What do the Adverts Say?; On Arrival; Now you are in Post; Your day-to-day world; Your Reputation; Your Teaching; Relationships with Teachers; Working with your staff; Saying No; Stress; Staff Grievances; Staff Discipline; Your Relationship with the Headteacher; Working with the Office; Maintaining a Wider Perspective; Part Two. What you have to do; Creating the School Development Plan; Using Data; Managing the Timetable and Curriculum; Dealing with Finances and the Budget; Evaluating your School; Improving an under-achieving department; Making Appointments; Training your Staff; Dealing with Staff Attendance; Innovate!; Cover!; Holding Management Meetings; Maintaining Effective Primary Liaison; Managing Behaviour; Excluding Students; Dealing with Bullying. Managing Medical Needs; Part Three. Dealing with the Wider World; Legal Issues; Work-Life Balance; Emergencies; Dealing with Parents; The Press; How your school is judged; Part Four. Moving On; Moving On; A Career Plan?; Responsibility; Now is the time to say goodbye...; And Finally; Further Reading.