Prologue

‘This book charts the fascinating journey of an inspirational leader of education, both at a local and national level. Full of wit and wisdom, it is a timely, and much needed reminder, of what draws us into teaching. A timeless story of someone who wanted (and succeeded!) in making a difference. An inspiring read.’

James Hilton (Author, Speaker & ex-school leader)

James is the acclaimed author of three books on teacher wellbeing and resilience: ‘Leading From the Edge’ (Bloomsbury 2016), ‘Ten Traits of Resilience’ (Bloomsbury 2018) and ‘Riding the Waves’ (Bloomsbury 2020)

‘Kim’s experience is as deep as it is wide. There is so much for teachers and leaders here in all settings.

Kim reveals the roots of his practice through his own story. This book drips with experience, understanding and integrity.

Kim shows us how great leaders are made. His experience is striking, relevant and inspiring.’

Paul Dix (nationally known educationalist)

Paul is the acclaimed author of two books: ‘When the Adults Change Everything Changes’ (Crowne House 2017) and ‘After the Adults Change Achievable Behaviour Nirvana’ (Crowne House 2021). Paul is an internationally acclaimed leader and speaker on Behaviour in Schools.

Introduction

As a child I had many dreams about what I would like to do on reaching adulthood. Just like many children then and now there were times spent watching and listening to grandparents, parents, uncles and family friends. Their adventures in life and working roles being the fuel to my imagination. The very inspiration that would set my own mind thinking of what possibilities life might present.

Although I started school as a five-year-old in the then West Germany, my first real recollection of school was a few years later in Middlesex. It was not a particularly happy time. The adults I met then seemed at odds with the philosophical notion that education was about learning and the enjoyment of discovery. It was a poor starting point for me when retrieving the very memories of childhood … which are supposed to be joyful.

With my father’s job in the RAF causing us to move regularly, it was such an opportunity that caused things to change. In moving 2,500 miles a single teaching figure literally altered everything and had a huge impact on me. This person being my wonderful Primary Class Teacher, the young Miss Kirkpatrick. One of the few people I will actually name. She was an inspiration and lit in me a spark of enjoyment, interest and enthusiasm that was undoubtedly the foundation of my personal and professional future.

Thereafter moving to boarding school and being there for six years meant some of that enthusiasm was sometimes lost. Certainly, a great deal of what many would consider to be formative years were spent away at school. Yet there were also gains and fun to be had. As I grew up, I began to question and at times to rebel. That journey through three schools and university is tracked in Part One where I undoubtedly learned a great deal about myself and what I wanted from life.

The prospect of ever working in education seemed a million miles from being likely. Unknown to me Teachers, Lecturers and other Educational Professionals lay in wait for me … and in time they were to help me focus and determine the very route of my life. Their wise words, professional insight and enduring encouragement kept me going and believing in the power of education to shape lives. It may seem an unlikely addition to a story of becoming a Headteacher and then Principal, but it explains how adults and teachers can unlock our potential and set us off on our life journey. As you read of my interactions you will see how those relationships can impact on a child and young adult to help shape who we are and how we are. I believe this is something often lost when we speak of the importance of education and its meaning in the widest sense. Take from this part of my journey how at times I was close to coming off the rails and how those in education helped to guide me. The position such teachers had sometimes assisted with my journey as a child and young adult and helped take me beyond a sense of being lost in those tricky times of a teenager. It could have broken me … but there were good adults around and they saw something in me. In the end … they certainly helped take me to a place where I felt being a teacher was the right career pathway.

Part Two unpicks the experiences had as a teacher in five quite different settings. All the children I met and taught, along with my many teaching colleagues, opened my eyes to the varying challenges of those in mainstream and specialist provisions. As I ventured into teaching, my stories show how I navigated that journey. They also reveal how I gained an insight into the potential I had and the opportunities that presented to develop life-changing skills. The switch from being the one being influenced to that of being the one who influences was immense for me. In that time, I actually ‘grew up’ with those I taught as I developed my craft in a teaching role.

Parts Three and Four reveal many mixed experiences as a school leader of four vastly different schools in Special and International settings. The hard toil involved in breaking mediocrity in school performance in order to motivate all to want to embrace excitement, challenge, discovery and excellence in their practice. No easy feat and one that had its own personal toll, eventually working through such hurdles and achieving success and outstanding practices. These stories reveal the reality of a relentless pursuit of excellence which many will be able to relate to in their own time in education, both present and historic. They may also enlighten those aspiring to venture forth.

Forty-four years after leaving school as a pupil I retired as the Principal of a Special Academy for children and young adults with complex needs and as the former National President of a School Leader’s Association. The highs and lows of that journey were many and often intertwined. So many people and places each with their own tale of happiness, sadness, harsh lessons learned, and opportunities taken to try and make a difference.

As you read, I trust that you will consider that all of us can be a leader … but not everyone is quite ready. The key point I look to make being the importance of learning at every stage of my journey towards becoming a school leader. This often meant asking the question of myself ‘What did I learn? Did I make sure I stopped from time to time to listen and think?’

If my story and the actions I took throughout inspire others to … dream more … learn more … do more … and become more … then it may help them to be a future leader. The attitude of one’s mind being crucial in this … as portrayed in this simple tale:

‘When out at sea … the pessimist complains about the wind … the optimist expects it to change … the leader adjusts the sails.’

Often feeling as if I was one of Education’s ‘Respectable Revolutionaries’ I tried to make my mark. Throughout, my motivation being to overcome the negative half full world of many and replace their thoughts of adversity and difficulty with a sense of challenge and opportunity. It was no easy task. I was paid by my employers in brass … and rewarded by all the children and young adults I taught … with memories made of gold. All this warranted a story being told … and once retired I collected my stories together … to share with you.

If you are after some sort of academic expose on leadership or an A-Z manual on being successful as a school leader then this is not my intention. I am trying to take you away with me for fifty-five years of travel through a variety of educational settings to give you an insight into the many roles held in this most unlikely of expeditions.

I was once told that as a school leader ‘everyone sees what you appear to be … few experience what you really are’.

Do read on … make your mind up about my journey and take from it what you wish to help you with yours.