2022 Spring Term 1

The know zone

  • The journey to a million
    With UCAS forecasting one million undergraduate applicants by 2025, Kevin Gilmartin examines what this might mean for our school and college leavers over the next few years. More
  • All change for FE?
    Dr Anne Murdoch says government proposals for funding and accountability changes in FE are welcome, but they mustn't fall short of what's required. More
  • Climate change
    Hayley Dunn highlights the key initiatives in the government's new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for Education. More
  • Stay out of trouble
    Jacques Szemalikowski urges members to check their pension statements and pay any taxes if they breach their annual pension allowance. More
  • Words of wisdom
    We often try to share a few wise words of wisdom with you - sometimes to help inspire you and at times, just to keep you going. Here, ASCL members share sayings, quotes, and prayers that help them get through life. More
  • May the force be with you
    Deputy Headteacher, Jo Rowley says ASCL Council offers great, nationwide networking opportunities as well as the chance to debate and reflect on the latest issues. Here, she shares her passion for Council and her encounter with Darth Vader. More
  • The gripes of wrath
    Along with death and taxes, the only other certainty in life is that you'll receive annoyingly unreasonable complaints, says Carl Smith, who has put together this guide to help you deal with them (not that he's grumbling about things, you understand). More
Bookmark and Share

We often try to share a few wise words of wisdom with you – sometimes to help inspire you and at times, just to keep you going. Here, ASCL members share sayings, quotes, and prayers that help them get through life.

Words of wisdom

Keep swimming! 

There are so many quotes of inspiration pertinent to the turbulent waters that leaders in education are currently navigating. 

However, I always come back to a simple message, contained within the innocence of a children’s film, telling me to never lose sight of our core purpose and never give up despite the challenges… “Just keep swimming” (Dory in Finding Nemo, 2003). 

Helen Wakefield
Vice Principal, Shirebrook Academy

Say a prayer 

Having moved jobs, schools and homes in the middle of Covid, I’m well aware of the levels of change involved at all levels in our communities and the anxiety that engenders – including in myself. So, on my wall is the Serenity Prayer by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, and it has become my mantra. I may not be able to change Covid, restrictions, staff and pupil illness or Public Health England advice, but there is still much that I can control, including walking around my school, smiling and greeting pupils, parents and staff and making sure that everyone knows that they are listened to and appreciated. It says: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. 

Marina Legge
Head, Oxford High School 

A masterpiece 

‘Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.’ (Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960). To Kill a Mockingbird is my favourite book. I make a point of reading it at least once a year and I always find something new in it. It is a masterpiece. 

Mike Holland
Headteacher, Hartford Church of England High School 

Troubling times 

‘Audaces fortuna adiuvat’ (Virgil and others), which translates into: Fortune favours the bold. In times of trouble, I have always followed its lead and never been let down. 

Gary Watson
Headteacher, Tewkesbury School 

Girl power 

“You be Katy Perry; I’ll be the Prime Minister.” I doubt you will know the person who said this or the context. It was a little girl in New Zealand who asked her mum to play dolls with her when she got home from work. The mum, a bit tired, nearly didn’t but was so glad she did. The little girl handed her mum a doll and said, “Mum, you be Katy Perry.” Then the little girl took a doll for herself and said, “I’ll be the Prime Minister.” I love how this little girl is inspired and looks up to someone like Jacinda Ardern and it shows how important good role models are. Especially female leaders for girls. 

Donna Stevens
Chief Executive Officer, Girls’ Schools Association 

Watch yourself 

We recently moved into a brand new building and one of the things we brought with us is a quote from the walls of the old school. It now features on the wall of our sixth form study area and in our library, which is located in the heart of the building. I have used the quote extensively in assemblies over the years and find it a great way of reinforcing to students the links between what they think and their futures: Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. (Frank Outlaw) 

Kieran McGrane
Headteacher, Ponteland Community High School 

Be courageous 

“Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment.” (Napoleon Bonaparte)

David Boyle CBE
Chief Executive Officer, Dunraven Educational Trust

LEADING READING