Paul K Ainsworth
@pkainsworth.bsky.social
NO SILVER BULLETS 2.0: https://www.amazon.co.uk/NO-SILVER-BULLETS-2-0-IMPROVEMENT/dp/B0CW9GSK94/
Author | EdDirector | EHT | Chair | SpeakerTEDx | JoyDivision | SUPYogaTeacher | Wild🏊♂️ | 🛵🇫🇷
My website: https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com
Author | EdDirector | EHT | Chair | SpeakerTEDx | JoyDivision | SUPYogaTeacher | Wild🏊♂️ | 🛵🇫🇷
My website: https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com
Pinned
Paul K Ainsworth
@pkainsworth.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Do Silver Bullets Exist? | A Conversation with Paul Ainsworth
Podcast Episode · Global Ed Leaders | International School Leadership Development · 12/11/2024 · 35m
podcasts.apple.com
𝗗𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁?
𝗙𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗲?
𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆’𝘀…
Have a listen to the conversation with the wonderful Shane Leaning for Global Ed Leaders
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/g...
𝗙𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗲?
𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆’𝘀…
Have a listen to the conversation with the wonderful Shane Leaning for Global Ed Leaders
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/g...
𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘂𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
🎥 Watch the vlog
📕 See the Substack: substack.com/@pkainsworth...
📘Or read the blog: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/d...
🎥 Watch the vlog
📕 See the Substack: substack.com/@pkainsworth...
📘Or read the blog: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/d...
November 14, 2025 at 7:42 PM
𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘂𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
🎥 Watch the vlog
📕 See the Substack: substack.com/@pkainsworth...
📘Or read the blog: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/d...
🎥 Watch the vlog
📕 See the Substack: substack.com/@pkainsworth...
📘Or read the blog: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/d...
Reposted by Paul K Ainsworth
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (4/4)
In a 'permacrisis,' trust your gut.
Ask the hard questions.
And never ignore the quiet signs.
🔗 substack.com/@pkainsworth...
In a 'permacrisis,' trust your gut.
Ask the hard questions.
And never ignore the quiet signs.
🔗 substack.com/@pkainsworth...
November 13, 2025 at 7:55 PM
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (4/4)
In a 'permacrisis,' trust your gut.
Ask the hard questions.
And never ignore the quiet signs.
🔗 substack.com/@pkainsworth...
In a 'permacrisis,' trust your gut.
Ask the hard questions.
And never ignore the quiet signs.
🔗 substack.com/@pkainsworth...
Always worth a listen ⬇️
Safeguarding/child prot is important for all staff, so this week's
Frank and Stan Chat should have record viewing figures. We're joined by Carolyn Eyre who says legislative changes afoot are 'the calm before the storm'. Stan considers Goodhart's Law and Frank internal isolation youtu.be/P_3Ow3XelZI
Frank and Stan Chat should have record viewing figures. We're joined by Carolyn Eyre who says legislative changes afoot are 'the calm before the storm'. Stan considers Goodhart's Law and Frank internal isolation youtu.be/P_3Ow3XelZI
Frank and Stan Chat No. 240: The Safeguarding Edition
YouTube video by Frank and Stan Chat
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Always worth a listen ⬇️
Reposted by Paul K Ainsworth
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (2/4)
Sometimes, the data looks fine. But something feels off.
That flicker of intuition? It might be the only light in the mine.🐤
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/pkainswo...
Sometimes, the data looks fine. But something feels off.
That flicker of intuition? It might be the only light in the mine.🐤
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/pkainswo...
November 13, 2025 at 6:20 PM
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (2/4)
Sometimes, the data looks fine. But something feels off.
That flicker of intuition? It might be the only light in the mine.🐤
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/pkainswo...
Sometimes, the data looks fine. But something feels off.
That flicker of intuition? It might be the only light in the mine.🐤
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/pkainswo...
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (4/4)
In a 'permacrisis,' trust your gut.
Ask the hard questions.
And never ignore the quiet signs.
🔗 substack.com/@pkainsworth...
In a 'permacrisis,' trust your gut.
Ask the hard questions.
And never ignore the quiet signs.
🔗 substack.com/@pkainsworth...
November 13, 2025 at 7:55 PM
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (4/4)
In a 'permacrisis,' trust your gut.
Ask the hard questions.
And never ignore the quiet signs.
🔗 substack.com/@pkainsworth...
In a 'permacrisis,' trust your gut.
Ask the hard questions.
And never ignore the quiet signs.
🔗 substack.com/@pkainsworth...
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (3/4)
You speak up. You warn. You see it coming.
But like Cassandra, you're not always believed.
Still — your voice might be the difference.
🧠
Read more: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/f...
You speak up. You warn. You see it coming.
But like Cassandra, you're not always believed.
Still — your voice might be the difference.
🧠
Read more: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/f...
November 13, 2025 at 7:03 PM
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (3/4)
You speak up. You warn. You see it coming.
But like Cassandra, you're not always believed.
Still — your voice might be the difference.
🧠
Read more: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/f...
You speak up. You warn. You see it coming.
But like Cassandra, you're not always believed.
Still — your voice might be the difference.
🧠
Read more: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/f...
Reposted by Paul K Ainsworth
SecEd Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. Advice on the 'secure fit' model, the 'expected standard', the #inclusion thread, the focus on context, the 90-minute call, the nominee role & more buff.ly/2oRpBc9
November 13, 2025 at 5:08 PM
SecEd Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. Advice on the 'secure fit' model, the 'expected standard', the #inclusion thread, the focus on context, the 90-minute call, the nominee role & more buff.ly/2oRpBc9
Would recommend the @seced.bsky.social bulletin and the @headteacherupdate.bsky.social bulletin for my secondary and primary friends ⬇️
Calling all #teachers: Sign up for our free @seced.bsky.social Bulletin. Every Thursday. Latest #education best practice, pedagogy, case studies, #podcasts, #webinars, free downloads as well as news analysis & blogs for all those working in secondary #schools: buff.ly/3Ub2JYt #edusky #teaching
November 13, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Would recommend the @seced.bsky.social bulletin and the @headteacherupdate.bsky.social bulletin for my secondary and primary friends ⬇️
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (2/4)
Sometimes, the data looks fine. But something feels off.
That flicker of intuition? It might be the only light in the mine.🐤
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/pkainswo...
Sometimes, the data looks fine. But something feels off.
That flicker of intuition? It might be the only light in the mine.🐤
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/pkainswo...
November 13, 2025 at 6:20 PM
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (2/4)
Sometimes, the data looks fine. But something feels off.
That flicker of intuition? It might be the only light in the mine.🐤
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/pkainswo...
Sometimes, the data looks fine. But something feels off.
That flicker of intuition? It might be the only light in the mine.🐤
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/pkainswo...
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (1/4)
Leadership across schools often feels like being the first responder.
You arrive when things are already unfolding — and what you notice first, matters most.🦺
Read more: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/f...
Leadership across schools often feels like being the first responder.
You arrive when things are already unfolding — and what you notice first, matters most.🦺
Read more: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/f...
First Responder: The Initial Meeting
If we work across multiple schools, one of our roles is often to be the first responder who helps Headteachers and leadership teams deal with the many issues that test them over the course of the s…
paulkainsworth.wordpress.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:15 PM
🧵 First Responder: What school leaders can learn from emergency planning (1/4)
Leadership across schools often feels like being the first responder.
You arrive when things are already unfolding — and what you notice first, matters most.🦺
Read more: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/f...
Leadership across schools often feels like being the first responder.
You arrive when things are already unfolding — and what you notice first, matters most.🦺
Read more: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/f...
Reposted by Paul K Ainsworth
Seasonal #poverty in #schools: As temperatures drop & financial pressures on families rise, how can schools respond with compassion & purpose? Drawing on the C.A.R.E. principles Sean Harris – @thatpovertyguy.bsky.social – shares practical ways for schools to become poverty-informed: buff.ly/0B2EqNf
Seasonal hardship: How schools can help families with the cost of winter - Headteacher Update
The cost of winter puts pressure on families living in poverty but there are practical ways that schools can support
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Seasonal #poverty in #schools: As temperatures drop & financial pressures on families rise, how can schools respond with compassion & purpose? Drawing on the C.A.R.E. principles Sean Harris – @thatpovertyguy.bsky.social – shares practical ways for schools to become poverty-informed: buff.ly/0B2EqNf
A morning read? What is making you feel unsettled and uneasy? ⬇️
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
First Responder: The Initial Meeting
If we work across multiple schools, one of our roles is often to be the first responder who helps Headteachers and leadership teams deal with the many issues that test them over the course of the s…
wp.me
November 13, 2025 at 7:29 AM
A morning read? What is making you feel unsettled and uneasy? ⬇️
Looking for ideas to help bring your team up to speed on the @ofstednews.bsky.social changes? Check out the article below ⬇️
The #Ofsted framework comes with a new inspection toolkit, operating guide & information documents. Drawing on these, @pkainsworth.bsky.social offers 16 activities for senior leadership teams in #schools to help you prepare: buff.ly/ZydF2Hw #education #edusky
New Ofsted inspection framework: Sixteen activities for school leaders - SecEd
A list of 16 leadership team activities to help prepare for the requirements of the Ofsted school inspection framework
buff.ly
November 12, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Looking for ideas to help bring your team up to speed on the @ofstednews.bsky.social changes? Check out the article below ⬇️
Reposted by Paul K Ainsworth
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
First Responder: The Initial Meeting
If we work across multiple schools, one of our roles is often to be the first responder who helps Headteachers and leadership teams deal with the many issues that test them over the course of the s…
wp.me
November 12, 2025 at 6:21 PM
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
First Responder: The Initial Meeting
If we work across multiple schools, one of our roles is often to be the first responder who helps Headteachers and leadership teams deal with the many issues that test them over the course of the s…
wp.me
November 12, 2025 at 6:21 PM
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
Fascinated by Dr Lucy Easthope's work and how it could be applied to school improvement
Read, like... share with a friend 🙏 wp.me/p9tOLc-DU
Reposted by Paul K Ainsworth
SecEd Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. With practical advice & tips from the amazing @pkainsworth.bsky.social, Anne Peck from @hfleducation.bsky.social & Clare Duffy: buff.ly/Fhtumbi
November 12, 2025 at 1:37 PM
SecEd Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. With practical advice & tips from the amazing @pkainsworth.bsky.social, Anne Peck from @hfleducation.bsky.social & Clare Duffy: buff.ly/Fhtumbi
Let’s hope so ⬇️
November 11, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Let’s hope so ⬇️
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴 - 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀
I couldn’t help but marvel at the flock of the birds this evening. I had to revisit my blog on murmurations and complex organisations
paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2024/02/10/m...
I couldn’t help but marvel at the flock of the birds this evening. I had to revisit my blog on murmurations and complex organisations
paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2024/02/10/m...
Murmurations: Achieving Harmony Across Complex Organisations
In a recent blog post, I discussed the concept of “Flying in Formation.” The idea is that within a small school, teachers can enhance their consistency by evaluating their practices and…
paulkainsworth.wordpress.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:34 PM
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴 - 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀
I couldn’t help but marvel at the flock of the birds this evening. I had to revisit my blog on murmurations and complex organisations
paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2024/02/10/m...
I couldn’t help but marvel at the flock of the birds this evening. I had to revisit my blog on murmurations and complex organisations
paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2024/02/10/m...
😳Worried about the new framework?
🎧 Have a listen to our podcast ⬇️
🎧 Have a listen to our podcast ⬇️
SecEd Podcast: A new episode dissects the revised #Ofsted inspection framework, setting out actions #schools can take now to prepare. With practical advice & tips from the amazing @pkainsworth.bsky.social, Anne Peck from @hfleducation.bsky.social & Clare Duffy buff.ly/Fhtumbi
November 10, 2025 at 7:27 PM
😳Worried about the new framework?
🎧 Have a listen to our podcast ⬇️
🎧 Have a listen to our podcast ⬇️
𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝗽𝘀𝘆, 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻
found this fascinating and would be adding to SLT reading before a discussion on how to act on the advice
found this fascinating and would be adding to SLT reading before a discussion on how to act on the advice
This is a blog post I have wanted to write since 2008! bit.ly/47YG89A
November 9, 2025 at 10:04 AM
𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝗽𝘀𝘆, 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻
found this fascinating and would be adding to SLT reading before a discussion on how to act on the advice
found this fascinating and would be adding to SLT reading before a discussion on how to act on the advice
A striking pair of graphs. It is a topic that is not discussed as probably school leaders feel they are not getting something right… whereas as you say Mike, the cause is outside our school gates ⬇️
Every picture tells a story.
Sadly no one is listening to the tale these two tell.
It’s been put in the box “too difficult”.
Sadly no one is listening to the tale these two tell.
It’s been put in the box “too difficult”.
November 9, 2025 at 8:07 AM
A striking pair of graphs. It is a topic that is not discussed as probably school leaders feel they are not getting something right… whereas as you say Mike, the cause is outside our school gates ⬇️
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿?
🎥 You’ve seen the vlog
📖 Now read the blog: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/10/15/l...
❓What are your leap frog moments?
🙏🏻 Could I help you find more?
🎥 You’ve seen the vlog
📖 Now read the blog: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/10/15/l...
❓What are your leap frog moments?
🙏🏻 Could I help you find more?
November 6, 2025 at 8:28 PM
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿?
🎥 You’ve seen the vlog
📖 Now read the blog: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/10/15/l...
❓What are your leap frog moments?
🙏🏻 Could I help you find more?
🎥 You’ve seen the vlog
📖 Now read the blog: paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/2025/10/15/l...
❓What are your leap frog moments?
🙏🏻 Could I help you find more?
Reposted by Paul K Ainsworth
So. Farewell
Then
Gove’s baby,
The EBacc.
You oversaw
A decline in arts education
Among our poorest
children. You were no
Working class hero.
So GoBacc to where
you came from.
With apologies to E.J. Thribb (Progress 8 Grade 7 ½)
Then
Gove’s baby,
The EBacc.
You oversaw
A decline in arts education
Among our poorest
children. You were no
Working class hero.
So GoBacc to where
you came from.
With apologies to E.J. Thribb (Progress 8 Grade 7 ½)
November 5, 2025 at 11:14 AM
So. Farewell
Then
Gove’s baby,
The EBacc.
You oversaw
A decline in arts education
Among our poorest
children. You were no
Working class hero.
So GoBacc to where
you came from.
With apologies to E.J. Thribb (Progress 8 Grade 7 ½)
Then
Gove’s baby,
The EBacc.
You oversaw
A decline in arts education
Among our poorest
children. You were no
Working class hero.
So GoBacc to where
you came from.
With apologies to E.J. Thribb (Progress 8 Grade 7 ½)