Climbing the Ladder in Education: Insights and Advice From an Executive Headteacher

In this blog, you will learn:

• The career journey of an Executive Headteacher.
• Key issues facing the education system. 
• How to ensure that the school curriculum meets the needs of all students.
• Advice for aspiring Executive Headteachers.
• Where the latest Executive Headteacher jobs are and how to apply for them.

Looking to begin your career as an Executive Headteacher and want to hear insights from a professional in the field? 

We recently had the opportunity to speak to Executive Headteacher, Anita Cameron, to discover more about her fascinating career in education. 

Anita has worked in the education sector since 2008, initially starting out as a Teacher; through her hard work and dedication, she has worked her way up to an Executive Headteacher. 

Throughout the interview, Anita shares inspiring advice for those looking to become an Executive Headteacher and discusses the key issues facing the education system today. 

Can you tell us about your career journey as an Executive Headteacher? What initially drew you to this role?

I began my career in education as a Teacher in 2012, then a Head of Department, Assistant Principal, Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher and I’m now an Executive Headteacher.

My current role is born from being an educational consultant for various educational provisions up and down the UK, mainly in the north. 

I’ve recently set up an alternative provision (AP) from scratch after discussions with the director of a company in care who wanted a provision either in independent school standards (ISS) or alternative provision for looked after children (LAC).

What does a typical day look like for you as an Executive Headteacher?

As you can imagine, each day is varied which is what I enjoy. I’m currently working alongside several local authorities and Blackpool and The Fylde College, building up links in the community. I have regular meetings with professionals to discuss issues with a child as well as recruiting staff, training them and designing the curriculum. 

I also liaise closely with Care Home Managers and Regional Managers in care.

What are the key issues facing the education system today?

There are too many children who are missing education or not in education which deprives them of learning development, future employment and the ability to contribute to society. 

Initial teacher training also needs to have SEND and trauma embedded into the programmes to avoid exclusions and be truly inclusive in practice.

How do you ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of all students, including those who excel and those who struggle?

We are autonomous in this area. We chose the design of the curriculum and created individual pathways for success. 

We also are linked to other providers so our learners can access our curriculum and other vocational curriculums in the community.

Do you find that your setting is struggling to cope with demand from children with SEND?

Our academy is not struggling to cope with the demand as our aim is to provide education for those children in our care homes. However, we work closely with two local authorities where over 200 places are needed in education. 

All local authorities face the same challenges with children not in education, missing from education, refusers and EHCP pupils. 

Even though my academy isn’t struggling, I will continue to support local authorities in meeting their aims in a strategic manner.

Can you share an example of a particularly challenging situation you’ve faced as an Executive Headteacher and how you resolved it?

One challenging situation I've encountered was trying to get a local authority onboard with us who work in a very different manner than any other local authority I’ve worked with. 

I found it useful taking advice from other supporting local authorities, virtual schools and education professionals, to get through this. 

The result was a positive outcome for a child returning to education. We are now looking forward to working closely and supportively with the local authority we first found to be challenging.

What are some key lessons you’ve learned throughout your career in education?

If you don’t like change, don't work in education. It’s essential to keep up to date with trends and issues and be forward thinking. 

Another lesson I've learnt is that education is broken but it’s important to keep the faith concentrated on what can be done to ensure good outcomes. 

What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to become an Executive Headteacher?

Have a support network and don’t be afraid to take advice from other professionals in the industry. Have the bravery to leap into areas unknown as that is where the real training and experience lies.

I use networks like LinkedIn and am currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) which again has extended my support network and knowledge. 

I also joined headship conferences, forums and I am applying to be a fellow of the Chartered College of Education and a trustee of the Autism Community Charity. 

Executive Headteacher jobs

If you’re searching for your next Executive Headteacher position, why not take a look at the latest Executive Headteacher jobs, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 

Struggling to recruit an Executive Headteacher?

As a specialist Headteacher recruitment agency, we support mainstream and SEND schools, Multi Academy Trusts, Alternative Provisions and Pupil Referral Units (PRU) with their recruitment needs. 

If you’re struggling to fill a Headteacher vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?

• North of the UK - Jamie Heath 
• South of the UK - Dane Matthews

Share your experience

Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the education sector.  

If you work in the education sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions. 

Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count. 

Meet Jamie Heath

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of. 

We operate in two sectors:

Private Sector

Public Sector 

In eleven specialisms:

Accountancy & Finance

Education & SEND

Construction, Trades & Labour

Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing

Housing

Corporate Functions & Business Support

HR & Workforce Development

IT & Digital

Property & Asset Management  

Planning, Development & Regeneration 

Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering