Reflection tips for school leaders

No matter how many times you’ve done it, the start of the school year can feel like a real whirlwind! So, as the first half-term break rolls around and you have a moment to catch your breath, what better time to pause and reflect on how the year has gone so far and, more importantly, how you want the rest of it to unfold. 

So, how is it going? Not in terms of results or whether things are running smoothly, but how do you feel? Are you being the leader you want to be? Are there aspects of your work that you’d like more or less of moving forward?  

What’s working? 

It’s easy to focus on what needs to change but don’t jump into that straight away. Take some time to give yourself credit for what’s been going well. Think about the areas of your leadership where you’re thriving. Maybe you’ve built a strong rapport with a new team, you’ve designed a system that saves you time or you’re more confident about delegating. Celebrate these wins, no matter how small they may seem! 

Ask yourself: 

• What am I most proud of from this half-term? 

• Where have I felt in control or at my best? 

• What positive feedback or results have I noticed? 

Acknowledging these successes isn’t just about feeling good, although that is important. It’s also about pinpointing the strategies that are working so you can do more of them. 

What’s draining? 

Now take a look at the flip side and think about where you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed? There will always be pressures as a school leader but when you identify those areas and take control of managing them, they don’t have a chance to grow and become recurring stress points that eventually wear you down and lead to burnout.  

Consider: 

• Where have I felt frustrated, overworked or ineffective? 

• What have I been saying yes to that I should have said no to? 

• What challenges have cropped up more than once and how can I tackle them differently next term? 

Intentional change

These reflections will help you spot patterns and develop greater self-awareness. With this knowledge, you’ll have the power to make intentional changes. School leadership will always come with ups and downs, but by reflecting now, you can shape the rest of the year in a way that feels more aligned with who you are and how you want to lead. 

Ask yourself: 

• What can I do to have more of the things that energise me? 

• How can I have less of the things that drain me? 

• Who can I ask for support to make these changes? 

Whether it’s carving out time for a hobby or interest, setting clearer boundaries with your team or making room for more playfulness and connection in your leadership style, this is your opportunity to set the tone for the months ahead. 

Take control  

As you step into the next half-term, remember that you don’t have to feel swept along by the job. You’re the leader and you can shape your experience. Reflecting on what’s gone well and what hasn’t allows you to reset, step forward with intention and a renewed sense of purpose.