Caroline Barlow
@carolinebarlow.bsky.social
Headteacher Heathfield Community College. History teacher. LLE. MBA. HTRG. Co-Chair #HeadsRoundtable #AmbitionLeadership. All views my own. Occasional blogging/published pieces via: https://residueofthinking.wordpress.com/
A pleasant coincidence that two conversations I had before Christmas have aligned to feature in the top two education news stories of the last week.
So grateful to be able to have a voice and that it resonates or helps in the overall discussions.
Both available in @tesmagazine.bsky.social
So grateful to be able to have a voice and that it resonates or helps in the overall discussions.
Both available in @tesmagazine.bsky.social
January 17, 2026 at 3:41 PM
A pleasant coincidence that two conversations I had before Christmas have aligned to feature in the top two education news stories of the last week.
So grateful to be able to have a voice and that it resonates or helps in the overall discussions.
Both available in @tesmagazine.bsky.social
So grateful to be able to have a voice and that it resonates or helps in the overall discussions.
Both available in @tesmagazine.bsky.social
I would move. But sadly I am unable.
#BoxingDay
#BoxingDay
December 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
I would move. But sadly I am unable.
#BoxingDay
#BoxingDay
Reposted by Caroline Barlow
‘Their resilience is not just necessary through circumstance; it is a reflection of a deep sense of purpose’: the determination of teachers in Ukraine is an inspiration to us all, writes @carolinebarlow.bsky.social
A powerful end-of-term reminder that education gives us hope
With the tiring autumn term coming to an end, Caroline Barlow says the determination of teachers in Ukraine to keep delivering education in their war-ravaged country should be an inspiration to us all
www.tes.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:15 PM
‘Their resilience is not just necessary through circumstance; it is a reflection of a deep sense of purpose’: the determination of teachers in Ukraine is an inspiration to us all, writes @carolinebarlow.bsky.social
Pleased to be able to contribute to the SEND reform conversation today, alongside some giants of the inclusion agenda.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/conversati...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/conversati...
Conversation on 'local' SEND reform principle with the Schools Minister
Join the Schools Minister and a panel of experts for a live online discussion as part of a series of events focussed on SEND reform.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Pleased to be able to contribute to the SEND reform conversation today, alongside some giants of the inclusion agenda.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/conversati...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/conversati...
Thanks to @tesmagazine.bsky.social for sharing the resilience and hope offered by our Ukrainian colleagues.🇺🇦
www.tes.com/magazine/lea...
www.tes.com/magazine/lea...
A powerful end-of-term reminder that education gives us hope
With the tiring autumn term coming to an end, Caroline Barlow says the determination of teachers in Ukraine to keep delivering education in their war-ravaged country should be an inspiration to us all
www.tes.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Thanks to @tesmagazine.bsky.social for sharing the resilience and hope offered by our Ukrainian colleagues.🇺🇦
www.tes.com/magazine/lea...
www.tes.com/magazine/lea...
This is excellent and a great follow on from dialogue yesterday: schoolsweek.co.uk/the-real-sen...
The real SEND story behind the OBR shock
One trust leader calls for caution over shock estimates of the potential impact of SEND funding
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM
This is excellent and a great follow on from dialogue yesterday: schoolsweek.co.uk/the-real-sen...
You can reduce the number of AHT at secondary imho but unless the number of roles schools have to play is reduced then all that will happen is they will be replaced with more TLRs.
Ministers have suggested rising numbers of assistant heads could be the place to target cost-cutting as schools are forced to make savings to fund future teacher pay rises. So what’s behind the rise, and is a cut do-able?
schoolsweek.co.uk/can-schools-...
schoolsweek.co.uk/can-schools-...
Can schools really afford to cut assistant heads?
Ministers point to rising numbers of assistant heads in cost-cutting advice
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 11:58 AM
You can reduce the number of AHT at secondary imho but unless the number of roles schools have to play is reduced then all that will happen is they will be replaced with more TLRs.
Reposted by Caroline Barlow
Such a welcome opportunity to be positive about the changes coming our way. Thank you to the #CAR Team and @beckyfrancis.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Why this curriculum review is a rare thing the sector should savour
After years of policy turbulence, we finally have an evidence-based blueprint for change that trusts teachers as the experts, writes MAT chief executive Dan Morrow
www.tes.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Such a welcome opportunity to be positive about the changes coming our way. Thank you to the #CAR Team and @beckyfrancis.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Autumn in St James Park.
Taking time. 🍂
Taking time. 🍂
October 31, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Autumn in St James Park.
Taking time. 🍂
Taking time. 🍂
I am very much looking forward to this alongside co-chair @keziah70.bsky.social
HTRT Assemble! Today Roundtable meets to discuss what’s going on in the system, what’s not going on and where our energies are best directed.
#education #leadership #HTRT
#education #leadership #HTRT
October 23, 2025 at 6:58 AM
I am very much looking forward to this alongside co-chair @keziah70.bsky.social
Year 11 here. Not saying there haven’t been times, especially in the last 3 years, the exit hasn’t looked highly attractive but this is a job where with the right team, support and mission you can make a huge difference.
#bestjobintheworld (mostly!)
#bestjobintheworld (mostly!)
New government retention analysis has revealed one third of secondary headteachers now leave their roles within three years of appointment
schoolsweek.co.uk/retention-1-...
schoolsweek.co.uk/retention-1-...
1 in 3 secondary heads leave within three years
But a lack of data on central academy trust teams could be skewing analysis, DfE warns
schoolsweek.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Year 11 here. Not saying there haven’t been times, especially in the last 3 years, the exit hasn’t looked highly attractive but this is a job where with the right team, support and mission you can make a huge difference.
#bestjobintheworld (mostly!)
#bestjobintheworld (mostly!)
September 28, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Looking forward to discussing this research, sustainability of high quality leadership is a challenge and a priority.
We launched our UK Survey report from the #esrc Sustainable School Leadership research project today.
Big important findings on leaders' work (& workloads), well-being, career journeys & plans, professional learning, views on school contexts/ cultures & more!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/gro...
Big important findings on leaders' work (& workloads), well-being, career journeys & plans, professional learning, views on school contexts/ cultures & more!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/gro...
Sustainable School Leadership: Comparing Approaches to the Training, Supply and Retention of Senior School Leaders Across the UK - The University of Nottingham
www.nottingham.ac.uk
September 16, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Looking forward to discussing this research, sustainability of high quality leadership is a challenge and a priority.
Reposted by Caroline Barlow
Thank you to @carolinebarlow.bsky.social for this lovely review of @ensermark.bsky.social & @greeborunner.bsky.social ’s new book! 📘 “A powerful body of wisdom” to help you start off the new school year right.
#HowDoTheyDoIt? is available exclusively via our website – find out more: buff.ly/3K6qYvp
#HowDoTheyDoIt? is available exclusively via our website – find out more: buff.ly/3K6qYvp
September 6, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Thank you to @carolinebarlow.bsky.social for this lovely review of @ensermark.bsky.social & @greeborunner.bsky.social ’s new book! 📘 “A powerful body of wisdom” to help you start off the new school year right.
#HowDoTheyDoIt? is available exclusively via our website – find out more: buff.ly/3K6qYvp
#HowDoTheyDoIt? is available exclusively via our website – find out more: buff.ly/3K6qYvp
Well this is mighty fine company I’m keeping here! Well done @greeborunner.bsky.social and @ensermark.bsky.social!
The fiercesomely impressive @carolinebarlow.bsky.social - who taught me so much over the years.
September 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Well this is mighty fine company I’m keeping here! Well done @greeborunner.bsky.social and @ensermark.bsky.social!
Just this.
Well done everyone, we’ve earned this time.
Well done everyone, we’ve earned this time.
July 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Just this.
Well done everyone, we’ve earned this time.
Well done everyone, we’ve earned this time.
Reposted by Caroline Barlow
Something I never thought I’d say out loud: I’ve written a book! 📖
It’s called #CalmLeadership and it’s coming out in October 2025, published by the incredible team at Crown House Publishing.
#CalmLeadership #LeadershipMatters #EducationLeadership #Headteacher #Wellbeing
It’s called #CalmLeadership and it’s coming out in October 2025, published by the incredible team at Crown House Publishing.
#CalmLeadership #LeadershipMatters #EducationLeadership #Headteacher #Wellbeing
July 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Something I never thought I’d say out loud: I’ve written a book! 📖
It’s called #CalmLeadership and it’s coming out in October 2025, published by the incredible team at Crown House Publishing.
#CalmLeadership #LeadershipMatters #EducationLeadership #Headteacher #Wellbeing
It’s called #CalmLeadership and it’s coming out in October 2025, published by the incredible team at Crown House Publishing.
#CalmLeadership #LeadershipMatters #EducationLeadership #Headteacher #Wellbeing
I do enjoy it when @jonnyuttley.bsky.social writes like this; it’s strong, passionate and - I believe- it’s right! #beststartinlfe
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Why ‘Best Start’ is a fresh start in tackling disadvantage
The government’s updated Sure Start approach should be embraced by schools as the right way to address educational inequality, argues Jonny Uttley
www.tes.com
July 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
I do enjoy it when @jonnyuttley.bsky.social writes like this; it’s strong, passionate and - I believe- it’s right! #beststartinlfe
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Reposted by Caroline Barlow
This is potentially game changing for families. The support they need, used to have, and have missed ….. finally some extra support to alleviate the gaps that schools have been stretched too thin trying to fill.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Family hubs to open in every council in England
Government says £500m plan aims to support an extra half a million more children.
www.bbc.com
July 6, 2025 at 7:34 PM
This is potentially game changing for families. The support they need, used to have, and have missed ….. finally some extra support to alleviate the gaps that schools have been stretched too thin trying to fill.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Honour to be asked & absolutely loved being part of a double act with @keziah70.bsky.social as well as hearing the support there is from @cmckinnellmp.bsky.social and DfE - thank you for a great afternoon @ascl-uk.bsky.social
A room full of energy and great expectations for the year ahead. @ascl-uk.bsky.social New Headteachers Conference. Brilliant to hear from @keziah70.bsky.social @carolinebarlow.bsky.social @cmckinnellmp.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Honour to be asked & absolutely loved being part of a double act with @keziah70.bsky.social as well as hearing the support there is from @cmckinnellmp.bsky.social and DfE - thank you for a great afternoon @ascl-uk.bsky.social
Looking forward to meeting people and speaking at the @ascl-uk.bsky.social New Headteachers conference today alongside @keziah70.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Looking forward to meeting people and speaking at the @ascl-uk.bsky.social New Headteachers conference today alongside @keziah70.bsky.social
It was great to talk to @ttradioofficial.bsky.social on Friday about headship, leadership, the pipeline into the profession and @headsroundtable.bsky.social
- do have a listen!
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-wfwys...
- do have a listen!
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-wfwys...
The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith
Listen to this fascinating chat between two experienced school heads about how to survive and thrive in the role. This is great listening for anyone interested in being a school leader and what its li...
www.podbean.com
June 16, 2025 at 9:04 PM
It was great to talk to @ttradioofficial.bsky.social on Friday about headship, leadership, the pipeline into the profession and @headsroundtable.bsky.social
- do have a listen!
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-wfwys...
- do have a listen!
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-wfwys...
Reposted by Caroline Barlow
Congratulations to all from our sector receiving honours. It is great to see any and all efforts to restore our profession to a respected and valued pillar in both individual children and families lives but also the significant contribution to our wider collective benefit. 👏👏
June 14, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Congratulations to all from our sector receiving honours. It is great to see any and all efforts to restore our profession to a respected and valued pillar in both individual children and families lives but also the significant contribution to our wider collective benefit. 👏👏
The one where I had fun talking about headship, leadership, @headsroundtable.bsky.social and the pipeline into the profession.
I'm listening to Teachers Talk Radio | The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith on Podbean, check it out! www.podbean.com/wlei/pb-wfwy...
I'm listening to Teachers Talk Radio | The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith on Podbean, check it out! www.podbean.com/wlei/pb-wfwy...
The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith
Listen to this fascinating chat between two experienced school heads about how to survive and thrive in the role. This is great listening for anyone interested in being a school leader and what its li...
www.podbean.com
June 13, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The one where I had fun talking about headship, leadership, @headsroundtable.bsky.social and the pipeline into the profession.
I'm listening to Teachers Talk Radio | The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith on Podbean, check it out! www.podbean.com/wlei/pb-wfwy...
I'm listening to Teachers Talk Radio | The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith on Podbean, check it out! www.podbean.com/wlei/pb-wfwy...