I was recently invited to an end of year celebration, along with my old Deputy, and it was genuinely touching. The warmth from children and parents alike was overwhelming, and hearing their fond recollections of the time my Deputy and I spent there filled my heart with gratitude. Their stories reminded me why we entered education in the first place. Despite being mobbed as we walked in, the smiles, the memories, and the cake, were simply brilliant.

Whilst it was bittersweet to hear various accounts suggesting the culture has shifted since our departure, the focus on what those conversations revealed about the lasting impact of authentic leadership was my takeaway. The comments weren’t born from malice, but from a genuine longing for what was.

This experience reinforced my belief that educational excellence isn’t complex—it stems from simple, unwavering values lived out daily. When we lead with love rather than control, when we genuinely care for each child and parent as an individual, and when we create environments where everyone feels valued, magic happens. These aren’t strategies to be implemented; they’re values to be lived.