Author Archives: johntomsett

About johntomsett

Headteacher in York. All views are my own.

This much I know about…how the budget squeeze is forcing school leaders to gamble

Posted on April 21, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about how the budget squeeze is forcing school leaders to gamble. First, some key data. When I … Continue reading →

Posted in General educational issues, School Leadership | Leave a comment

This much I know about…how we own, we shape and we celebrate our curriculum

Posted on March 31, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about how we own, we shape and we celebrate our curriculum. My friend and collaborator, Tom Sherrington, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

This much I know about…the creative writing process, Don McCullin’s photography and Vic Goddard’s auntie and uncle!

Posted on March 17, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about the creative writing process, Don McCullin’s photography and Vic Goddard’s Auntie Vera and Uncle Clay! What inspires … Continue reading →

Posted in Other stuff | Leave a comment

This much I know about…the Don McCullin retrospective exhibition at Tate Britain

Posted on March 1, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about the Don McCullin retrospective exhibition at Tate Britain. I have five heroes, the majority of whom are … Continue reading →

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This much I know about…looking after our own mental health first

Posted on February 25, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about looking after our own mental health first. On the day we are officially charged by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental Health in Schools, Other stuff, School Leadership | 1 Comment

This much I know about…why Christine Counsell is right about teaching knowledge and cultural capital

Posted on February 10, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about why Christine Counsell is right about teaching knowledge and cultural capital. This post’s genesis lies in … Continue reading →

Posted in General educational issues, Teaching and Learning | 1 Comment

This much I know about…behaviour management, “flattening the grass” and Mary Myatt

Posted on February 3, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about behaviour management, “flattening the grass” and Mary Myatt. A simple truth: you cannot teach as well … Continue reading →

Posted in School Leadership, Teaching and Learning | 10 Comments