In this episode we ask two experienced school leaders one simple question – What makes a great headteacher? – and see where the conversation goes.

Our two guests enjoy a wide-ranging discussion about what a great headteacher looks like from the perspective of each of the key stakeholders in the school community – pupils, staff, parents and others.

The pupil lens: We talk kindness and honesty, but also the importance of holding children to high standards.

The staff lens: We talk trust, integrity, and leading by example.

The parent/carers lens: We talk being visible, communicating clearly, and listening well.

The governor lens: We talk respect and relationships.

We also consider Ofsted and how we can maintain our values as a great headteacher while also meeting inspectors' expectations.

Ultimately, we consider the characteristics, skills, traits and experiences that combine to make brilliant headteachers.

In this episode we ask two experienced school leaders one simple question – What makes a great headteacher? – and see where the conversation goes. Our two guests enjoy a wide-ranging discussion about what a great headteacher looks like from the perspective of each of the key stakeholders in the school community – pupils, staff, parents and others. The pupil lens: We talk kindness and honesty, but also the importance of holding children to high standards. The staff lens: We talk trust, integrity, and leading by example. The parent/carers lens: We talk being visible, communicating clearly, and listening well. The governor lens: We talk respect and relationships. We also consider Ofsted and how we can maintain our values as a great headteacher while also meeting inspectors' expectations. Ultimately, we consider the characteristics, skills, traits and experiences that combine to make brilliant headteachers.

The Headteacher Update Podcast is dedicated to supporting best practice in the primary school – with practical advice, examples, discussion and tips for school leaders (and teachers) across the range of topics relevant to day-to-day primary school life. A new episode every half-term.