Deputy Head Charlotte Jordan says being on ASCL Council has been both enriching and a lifeline. Here she shares her passion for Council and leadership, and her pride at recently being appointed to the post of headmistress.

Head on up

Tell us about your role and your school

Currently, I’m deputy head at King Edward VI Five Ways School, a co-educational grammar school in Birmingham, part of King Edward VI Foundation and Academy Trust. From September I’ll be taking over as headmistress of this school, which is rich in traditional values, yet ambitious for educational improvements for all and forward thinking in approach. We are a truly diverse community and ‘family’, which is our strength and makes working here a real joy.

Tell us about your role on ASCL Council

It’s been a whirlwind first year as a member of the Leadership and Governance Committee. We’ve debated and discussed Covid-19 related topics, exams and the role of multi-academy trusts (MATs). The professional growth I experience from being on these committees is both enriching and a lifeline. ASCL’s approach to its members is exemplary; we have developed holistically but also through the emergence of subgroups such as ASCL’s Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) Leaders’ Network.

Why did you decide to get into teaching/leadership?

I have a passion for improving the opportunities for young people and through teaching I have the privilege of impacting positively on their lives. Teaching is my first career and I am still learning, which is what I love about my work. My transition into leadership was to enable me to give voice to my students and influence decision making. It’s the most rewarding way to invest in others and help them realise their potential, whether that be students or staff. Everyone can grow if they are visible and their voices are heard.

How do you like to unwind?

Listening to audiobooks is my guilty pleasure; it feels like I’m having a conversation with the narrator. I also have an eclectic music taste ranging from Etta James and Charley Pride to the pulsating sounds and rhythms of the Hillsong Worship group; all uplift my spirit and inspire me to think creatively. I also like to visit museums and art galleries to challenge my thinking and give me insight into different worlds.

Tell us about your achievements

An exciting achievement has been my recent appointment as the next headmistress of my prestigious school, an opportunity that makes me proud. But what delights me is the support I received during the process. My colleagues from past and present helped me prepare, but it was the remarkable kindness of a stranger that most astounds me. I boldly emailed ASCL Council member and Headteacher Evelyn Forde, recently awarded Headteacher of the Year, and asked whether she would look at my application.

With only 48 hours to submit it, she very kindly made time in her extremely busy schedule to read and respond to my request. Her actions showed such dedication and compassion to a fellow member; I can’t thank her enough for what she did.

What’s your favourite book and your favourite film of all time and why?

I am an avid fan of Andrea Levy’s books because her stories of being British and black resonate with my own story. In particular, her depiction of West Indian soldiers in Small Island gave me a fictional understanding of my heritage and belonging in Britain beyond our cultural, musical and sporting achievements.

I see beauty in most films and this is a hard choice. My top ten includes Dirty Pretty Things, The Godfather Trilogy and Brokeback Mountain – make of that range what you will.

What advice would you give to someone new to leadership?

Join ASCL, network with as many fellow professionals as you can and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. We’re all novices at first and our professional growth comes from being courageous and asking for help. I believe that when we’re thriving, we should then extend that help to those talented individuals who want to make the leap too.

ASCL Council

For more details on how you can become a Council member, please email ASCL Director of Policy Julie McCulloch at Julie.mcculloch@ascl.org.uk

We are particularly keen to encourage people from currently under-represented groups including women and people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, to put themselves forward. 

• For further information see www.ascl.org.uk/council

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