2022 Autumn Term 2

The know zone

  • The widening gap
    New Key Stage 2 data gives us the first real insight into learning post-pandemic and confirms that attainment has fallen with disadvantaged children hit hardest, says Tiffnie Harris. Will the government act? More
  • A sticking plaster?
    Will the government's Energy Bill Relief Scheme alleviate financial concerns? Hayley Dunn analyses the details. More
  • A new PAL?
    New legislation for schools concerning careers information comes into force from January. Kevin Gilmartin examines the details and implications for school leaders. More
  • All change?
    Two new announcements bring the potential for significant change to the post-16 and skills sector, says Anne Murdoch. Here, she shares the details. More
  • IT
    Are you using technology in an innovative way in your school, college or trust? Here, ASCL members share their views. More
  • Lessons from love
    Caroline Lowing is Head of School at Test Valley Secondary School, a small rural school in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Here she shares her love for teaching, leadership, ASCL Council, gigs and a good wedding. More
  • Categorically speaking
    Just what are the rules on the number of Ofsted categories, asks Carl Smith? Here, he shares his own ideas on how the inspectorate could review the current number. More
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Caroline Lowing is Head of School at Test Valley Secondary School, a small rural school in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Here she shares her love for teaching, leadership, ASCL Council, gigs and a good wedding. 

Lessons from love 

Tell us about your role 

This is my first headship, and I’m hugely proud to be Head of School at Test Valley. The school’s had four headteachers in four years but is currently in the process of joining HISP Multi Academy Trust, where I was school improvement lead last year. I’m hoping to bring some stability to the school and have a long-term vision of where we want to be. I’ve promised our whole school community that I’ll stay for at least five years, and I keep my promises. 

Why did you decide to get into teaching/leadership? 

It was never part of the plan to become a teacher. I started as a teaching assistant in a secondary school in my 20s and decided to give teaching a go. Once I became a teacher, I quickly realised I could help more students if I became a head of department and even more students when I became a head of year – rolling on until I eventually became a Head of School. It sounds cheesy, but I really am driven by the moral imperative to support young people to be the very best that they can be. 

Why did you decide to become an ASCL Council member? 

When the pandemic hit, I was so impressed by the way that ASCL seemed to be a shining beacon of hope and a source of invaluable information for its members and the profession. I’d been a member for some years but decided to take a more active role and I’ve never looked back. 

Attending my first Council meeting remotely was a strange but interesting experience and the welcome that I was given has been wonderful. I’m on the Ethics, Inclusion and Equalities Committee – a great bunch of inspirational people, and I’m co-chair of the Ethnic Diversity Network. 

I’ve met people that I’m proud to call my friends and have been given so many opportunities, including meeting former Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, and presenting at Annual Conference. I would recommend Council to everyone. 

How do you like to unwind? 

I’m not sure ‘unwind’ is the right word but I have two children that I try to spend as much of my free time with as possible. We love going on day trips and always manage to incorporate a visit to a coffee shop somehow. I love going to gigs with my brother, who lives in Sheffield. I’m into some pretty esoteric bands – my all-time favourites are Bristol band IDLES but I really enjoyed seeing Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs recently (yes, they are really called that). 

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself 

I’ve been ‘best man’, twice. First for my brother David and again for my best friend Will, at his wedding in Boston, USA. I absolutely loved organising the stag dos and giving the best man’s speeches. It was particularly interesting in the USA where all the other speeches were really touching and heartfelt and I kept up the British tradition of ripping into the groom. I’ve never been on a hen do, though. 

What’s your favourite book? 

I’m a huge book worm – over the summer, I managed to read 12 novels. Choosing a favourite book is tricky but Donna Tartt is one of my favourite authors. I also love Margaret Atwood, Kurt Vonnegut and David Mitchell. I never re-read books, but I remember Stone Junction by Jim Dodge having a huge effect on me when I was younger, as did One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey and A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. 

What advice would you give to someone new to leadership? 

It all comes back to moral imperative – if you spend your career developing your moral compass then you can’t go far wrong. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t. 

I’m a team player and like to surround myself with optimistic and like-minded people. I ask for advice all the time and I always try to admit when I’ve made a mistake. Humility definitely goes a long way. 

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 

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