Simon Botten, executive headteacher in Bristol and author of ‘Headteachering’, shares practical insights into sustainable leadership and staff wellbeing in schools.

In this episode, Simon reflects on his journey into headship and explains why he embraces the complexity and uncertainty of leadership.

He explores the first 100 days in a role, including building trust, creating clarity of purpose, and securing early wins through culture, environment and behaviour.

Simon discusses how to develop happy, effective teams through psychological safety, honest communication and strong relationships, alongside practical strategies for managing stress, maintaining boundaries and staying connected to the joy of working with children.

Learn more about Simon’s work here: https://headteachering.uk/

Sue Ackroyd, CEO and executive principal of the William Henry Smith Foundation, shares insights from her 37-year career supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.

In this episode, Sue discusses trauma-informed leadership, designing curriculum that gives students real “currency” for life, and building a culture focused on quality of life for both students and staff.

Sue also outlines practical approaches to staff support, including wellbeing activities, clinical supervision, therapy access, and menopause support, and highlights why self-care without guilt is essential for retention and sustainable practice.

Louise Shields, School Business Manager and Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead at Beacon of Light Alternative Provision School, shares how schools can build a strong culture of staff wellbeing in demanding environments.

In this episode, Louise reflects on 25 years of working across different education settings and explains how she reshaped the school’s wellbeing policy, introducing dedicated staff wellbeing days and creating a wellbeing team.

She discusses the emotional demands of alternative provision, the value of daily briefings and safeguarding support, and practical initiatives, from walks and quizzes to menopause awareness, that help strengthen staff morale and connection.