I stopped blogging around 2015 when I became a Head and have missed it. I've started up a new blog site where I hope to add occasional thoughts, provocations and useful resources. richardspencer.blog

50 years since this nonsense and too little has changed. We still hear too much from those who view schools as a bulwark against a society they disdain; a spare, defeatist philosophy of education that seeks to ration excellence and aspiration to a handful of the deserving poor.

I agree with pretty much every word here. School improvement is not driven by advisory teams, but by invested, accountable and integrated leadership over a number of years. The structures we put in place should deliver that rather than dodge or delay change when it is needed.

It has been a busy few months in Bedford. I’m very proud of the work undertaken by staff at Sharnbrook and Lincroft since they joined Meridian Trust in 2021. As of today, both schools now enjoy good or outstanding inspection judgements; more importantly, both schools are thriving and confident.

I am very excited to say that, after nearly three years as Director of ECT at Ambition Institute, I will be taking on the post of Principal at Sharnbrook Academy, in Bedfordshire, this September. What a privilege it will be to go back to Headship. Can’t wait! 🙌

I’m so pleased to be able to share that @carlywaterman.bsky.social will be joining Sharnbrook Academy and Meridian Trust as Principal in September. A very special leader for a very special school. Carly brings values and experiences that will be ideally placed to steer the next phase at Sharnbrook.

Two simultaneous thoughts: Adolescence is a great and important drama we’ll be talking about in 30 years time; the depiction of this generation of young people, and of schools, was damaging, inaccurate and unhelpful.

A very good question, to which no answer has been forthcoming...

Really pleased that 'Meridian Learning' has been shortlisted for the MAT Excellence Awards 2025 in the Staff Development category. It has been a comprehensive investment of expertise and resource in professional learning to meet the needs of all of our staff. I’m very proud of what we offer 👍 😊

Monday morning, school leaders. If you know, you know.

To improve inspection reliability, we have to accept that activity and resource must increase significantly. That increases the cost and pressure on the system. If the stakes remain as high as they currently are, that may be intolerable. We didn't need a big listen; we need to ask the big question.

This is a big opportunity for the right person to join us at Meridian Trust. Sharnbrook is a truly wonderful school and we are looking for a very special leader for the community. Please share with your networks. mynewterm.com/jobs/136470/...

I tend to think pedagogy is personal/professional; curriculum is collaborative/collective; policy is public/political. Seems to me we encounter the worst opinions and saltiest arguments when those distinctions are excessively disrupted, confused or disregarded. I suppose it is where debate happens.

Inspection methodology and school improvement capacity is more important than a framework in my view. There are potential problems forming secure judgments across areas that look worryingly ill-defined. Optimistically, a focus on high standards AND building happier, open schools should be welcomed.

First post on here. Profundity required but lacking. Any tips on growing my network again would be very welcome!