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"What makes this book so impressive is that on every page it is clear that the author is someone who really understands schools and school leadership; someone who has lived and breathed it and, indeed, is still doing so. As we progress through chapters on wellbeing, inclusion, finance and leading teams as well as on managing change and working in challenging circumstances, the reader is given honest, no-nonsense perspectives on the lessons Brian has learned over his 19 years as a head teacher." - Steve Munby

"It’s school leadership in the raw and the real, portrayed through the reflections of a bold writer who has seen it all, got the tee shirt and is still in the game." - JL Dutaut, Schools Week

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School leadership is a challenging and rewarding job that requires determination, flexibility and a careful understanding of the people you work with.

Drawing from nearly two decades of headship and combining thoughtful professional guidance with insight drawn from real-life incidents, current headteacher Brian Walton offers a candid and engaging exploration of how to face the challenges of leadership head on and succeed without sacrificing your principles or your wellbeing.

• Discover what authentic leadership really means
• Avoid the perils of ‘leadersh*t’ and how it can divert you from important work
• Understand how to find your support network
• Engage with the practical aspects of whole school policy on inclusion and behaviour
• Consider how to deal with the unexpected and how to lead in times of crisis

Brian Walton is an award-winning headteacher and popular education blogger with extensive whole school leadership experience across four schools and a decade of experience supporting schools in challenging circumstances.