Headteacher Update

Headteacher Update is a magazine tailored specifically for those in primary school leadership roles. Released bi-monthly, it addresses various leadership topics, providing best practices, real-life case studies, and detailed information along with helpful advice. Our coverage includes the latest updates on government policies, school inspections, curriculum matters, teaching and learning strategies, technology integration, workforce issues, the Pupil Premium, and additional relevant topics. Each issue also highlights useful resources and features comprehensive product information.

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Free school meals eligibility finally expanded – but what comes next? - Headteacher Update

3 days ago | headteacher-update.com | Pete Henshaw

After years of pressure from campaigners and education unions, the government has finally acted to expand free school meals (FSMs) to all families receiving Universal Credit. In the long-term, the move, which was announced on Wednesday night (June 4) and which will come into effect in September 2026, will benefit 1.7 million children in years 3 to 11, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS).
‘Redundancies are the only way to balance the books’ - Headteacher Update

4 days ago | headteacher-update.com | Pete Henshaw

Survey findings involving 1,091 school leaders have been published by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) ahead of the government’s Spending Review on Wednesday, June 11. They show that of the responding leaders, 46% anticipate having to make teachers redundant next year while 80% believe they will have to lay-off teaching assistants to help balance their books.
Whole-class mental health interventions yield 'small but significant' impact - Headteacher Update

5 days ago | headteacher-update.com | Pete Henshaw

A review by researchers at University College London and Anna Freud found that sessions based on CBT – a technique that helps students to recognise and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours – were more effective at reducing anxiety symptoms than mindfulness sessions or other approaches. The analysis includes findings from 71 global research studies, including 51 involving secondary schools and 19 featuring primary schools. The studies involved more than 63,000 young people aged 8 to 18.
Best Practice Focus: Executive headteachers: Your complete guide - Headteacher Update

2 weeks ago | headteacher-update.com | Paul Ainsworth

In Headteacher Update's latest Best Practice Focus download we offer a complete guide to executive headship in primary schools. Written by experienced school leader Paul K Ainsworth, the free 7-page guide looks at the development of executive headship and leadership roles in the last 15 years, reflecting on the skills and attributes of executive leaders and common structures of executive leadership.
East Ham vs Newcastle: The sobering geography of social mobility - Headteacher Update

3 weeks ago | headteacher-update.com | Pete Henshaw

Only eight of the top 50 constituencies for opportunity and social mobility are outside of London, while places in the North East and North West dominate the bottom of the table. Social mobility charity the Sutton Trust has compiled its first ever Opportunity Index (Holt-White et al, 2025), drawing upon data from more than 10 million young people across two decades to shine a light on “the geography of opportunity and social mobility”.
Childline reports rise in anger issues among children seeking help - Headteacher Update

3 weeks ago | headteacher-update.com | Pete Henshaw

Childline has delivered almost 3,000 counselling sessions in the last year to children and young people struggling with anger issues. It is a 6% rise year-on-year and makes anger one of the top 10 mental health concerns reported by children contacting the service – it is the 6th most common issue reported by boys (10th for girls). The Childline support service is run by the NSPCC, and the charity has published the figures to mark Mental Health Awareness Week this week.
Parents pay £1,003 a year to send their child to primary school - Headteacher Update

1 month ago | headteacher-update.com | Pete Henshaw

A research study looking at the minimum families need to spend for their child to attend and participate in school has revealed just how much costs have risen in the last two to three years. Analysis carried out by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the Centre for Research in Social Policy has identified key drivers for this rise in costs including higher costs for materials such as books and stationery and the rising cost of food.
SEND crisis: ‘We are not fulfilling EHCP provision as we do not have the resources’ - Headteacher Update

1 month ago | headteacher-update.com | Pete Henshaw

A survey of 873 school leaders working in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has also revealed that 94% of school leaders are finding it harder year-on-year to meet the needs of SEND pupils. And 98% say they do not have enough resources to meet the needs of all the SEND pupils in their schools.
Only 1 in 5 senior leaders want to become a headteacher - Headteacher Update

1 month ago | headteacher-update.com | Pete Henshaw

A survey of more than 1,500 school leaders published by the National Association of Head Teachers finds that 45% have needed mental health support in the past year, while 65% say their mental health has been harmed by the job. The NAHT is set to debate the issue when it convenes for its annual conference this weekend in Harrogate. The survey findings reveal that of the 45% of leaders who say they needed mental health support in the previous 12 months, only a third managed to access help.
Using retrieval practice for SATs practice and preparation - Headteacher Update

1 month ago | headteacher-update.com | Kate Jones

The 2025 SATs begin on Monday, May 12. Year 6 pupils will be assessed on a wide range of knowledge and skills including spelling, punctuation, grammar, reading, arithmetic and reasoning. With about two weeks to go as I write it is vital that both teachers (and parents) are focused on effective strategies to support pupils’ final preparation to give them the best chance at succeeding on the day. Making retrieval funRetrieval practice focuses on getting information out of long-term memory.