Diary of a headteacher: Collaborate or die

I’ve listened to many inspirational speakers at various education conferences over the years talk about the importance of schools working together. One particular phrase, “collaborate or die” from John West-Burnham, has stuck in my mind and I’ve been thinking about it a lot during my first year of headship.

I’ve also heard throughout the past two years a similar message from Mr Gove and Ms Morgan outlining how schools must seek to work together in more collaborative ways. 

I can say with hand on heart that collaboration with local education partners is a key component of my educational leadership philosophy, but I have come to realise the environment that schools currently operate in has changed dramatically in recent years and the new landscape provides real challenges for schools when it comes to working together.