In Praise of British Schools. Reasons to be Cheerful
Liam D Powell
Educational Consultant and School Development BA MA PGCE NPQH NPQEL 30 years in education, 11 in Headship.
After thirty exciting and fulfilling years in education across the Midlands—over 20 in leadership roles and 11 as a Headteacher—it's time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey. During this time, I have witnessed tremendous changes, and while challenges remain, there is much to be proud of within the British education system. From evolving educational landscapes to the tireless dedication of teachers, the reasons to be cheerful about our schools are many. Here are some key reflections on what makes British schools a cause for celebration.
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1. The Dynamism of Schools: Always Evolving, Never Dull
?Through decades of dramatic change, schools have not only survived but thrived. Education has transformed, with accountability increasing and power shifting from local authorities to a combination of devolution and centralisation. Despite these shifts, teaching remains one of the most dynamic and fulfilling professions. There is no clock-watching. The energy is fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and the determination to give young people the best possible experiences and opportunities.?
?Over the years, I have witnessed a relentless drive for continuous improvement, with teachers and staff working together to ensure each child has the best opportunities. Schools today are vibrant places, filled with camaraderie, humour, and teamwork.
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2. The Power of People: The Heart of Education
?For those outside of education, the structure of school holidays and working patterns can be perplexing. However, teaching is an intensely human profession. Schools are hubs of thousands of interactions, day in and day out. Teachers and staff are constantly engaging with students, each with unique needs and expectations. The role is “people-y.”
?Parents and carers entrust schools with their children's futures, and schools, in turn, invest heavily in building positive relationships with their communities. Governments and policies may come and go, but it’s the people—the staff, leaders, and communities—who provide the stability and continuity. It is crucial to treat staff with respect, listen to their needs, and celebrate their successes.
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3. Skills That Lead Beyond the Classroom
?One of the most underestimated aspects of a career in teaching is the vast array of skills it helps develop. Planning, classroom management, public speaking, budgeting, and staying calm under pressure are just a few of the skills honed in a school environment. Teachers are constantly delivering high-performance teaching under immense pressure—meeting deadlines, managing behaviour, and accommodating a wide range of learning styles and needs. These abilities are not only critical to education but are also highly transferable to other sectors.
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?For many years, the media and government have painted an overly negative picture of education, using terms like "failing" or "broken" without acknowledging the reality. In truth, the skills and expertise teachers bring to the table are profound, and they can lead to success in leadership and management positions both within and beyond education.
?A recent study by Teach First surveyed 3,000 young people aged 16-24 about their views on teaching as a career. While they respect the profession for its purpose and impact, they desire more flexibility, work-life balance, and recognition of transferable skills. These are achievable goals and ones that should be prioritised if we are to attract both young graduates and experienced professionals seeking a career change.
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4. The Power of Networks and Collaboration
?One of the most rewarding aspects of working in education is collaboration. Schools are not isolated entities; they thrive on the sharing of ideas, support, and resources. Whether it’s through leadership networks, subject-specific collaborations, or pastoral support groups, the strength of partnership cannot be underestimated.
?I have been fortunate to work alongside inspiring individuals and teams throughout my career. Drawing on their expertise and enthusiasm has been invaluable in improving outcomes for pupils and creating positive school cultures. The spirit of collaboration within and between schools is one of the sector’s greatest strengths.
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5. Reasons to Be Optimistic: A Promising Future for Schools
?As we look ahead, there is much to be optimistic about in the world of education. The recognition that inspection frameworks must evolve and that we need to recruit and nurture new talent are positive signs. There are clear opportunities to improve flexibility, work-life balance, and professional development, making the profession even more attractive to the next generation of teachers.
?In conclusion, the work in schools is challenging but deeply rewarding. Every day brings variety and unexpected moments, and no two days are ever the same. The rewards come not only in academic results but also in the relationships built and the lives impacted. Bumping into former students and hearing how their school experience shaped their futures is a joy.
?So, to all those in education—whether you’re just starting or a seasoned professional—take a moment to reflect on the amazing work you do. Be proud of your achievements, embrace the challenges, and celebrate the victories, big and small. Education is, and always will be, one of the most important and fulfilling careers in the world. Enjoy the ride, worry less, and always find time to share, relax, and celebrate.
Director for Partnerships & MATs at Hays | Mental Health First Aider
1 个月I love this article, Liam - it’s got your signature positivity along with pragmatism. I hope you’re going to share regular thought pieces. Your experience and wisdom will be of great benefit to lots of people
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1 个月A very insightful article Liam. I believe my response went to you separately from this posting.
Director at The Real David Cameron Ltd
1 个月Liam, thank you for asking for my opinion on this. It is a really good piece. I love the positivity, which, I think is, entirely justified. I also think that it is well written, uplifting and appealing. it also gets to the heart of what I often talk about - the need to recognise and build on strengths and progress made. I think you have made a bold move in talking about "British Schools" given that the systems across the UK are so different. The move "from Local Authorities to a combination of devolution and centralisation" looks very different in the Celtic nations from the picture in England. It might be worth thinking more about this. I am also very aware that you walk the same fine line in the piece as I do in many of my own contributions. We risk being so keen to counter the negativity that we encounter that we present as if all practice was best practice our at least good practice. It is always a hard call to try to balance the emphasis between challenge and congratulation. Over all, I think that you have given us something which is timely, encouraging and appropriate, particularly for the audience most likely teenage with it. Well done on that ??
Founded humanutopia. Helping school leaders since 2004 to improve the mental health & wellbeing of their students by providing day long events that motivate, inspire and raise the lifechances of young people.
1 个月Liam, this a refreshing and convincing perspective that describes how I witnessed you go about your job and life- with gusto and enthusiasm. The points you make are impossible to argue with, although some may try. Positivity and purpose are key in teachers and as you rightly say, many teachers have these qualities. Great article!