Devon Schools Leadership Services aHead Programme

Before half-term, the DAG Newsletter article titled ‘NAHT Calls for More Support for School Leaders Mental Health’ asked the question: How does your school support the headteacher?

We all recognise that the rapidly changing school environment means that the role of Headteacher is becoming increasingly complex and demanding. The tipping point, regardless of age or experience, is when those everyday pressures become significant stressors and this in turn impacts upon their personal performance, physical and mental health and general wellbeing.

The Devon Schools Leadership Services (DSLS) aHead service works successfully with Headteachers across the county to promote effective school leadership and personal wellbeing. This free service provides a named professional partner (an experienced current or recently serving school leader) to work confidentially with every Headteacher, Head of School and Executive Headteacher across all Devon local authority maintained schools and academy trusts.

This service provides all school leaders access at least once a term to:

• A personal and professional support service for all school leaders
• Fresh perspectives to address professional challenges
• Advice and expertise to develop and strengthen school leadership teams
• Signposting to other professional support and guidance services
• Opportunities to work alongside other leaders to develop understanding of and approaches to key issues in schools.

Above all, the service prides itself on being independent and confidential with no reporting framework, enabling the Headteacher to talk openly about the areas of their work that are providing the most joy, as well as reflecting on the greatest challenges in their role.

A survey of school leaders across Devon in July 2025, rated the support received as 4.6 out of 5, with the vast majority of respondents saying that conversations with their Professional partner helped them personally to manage the complex demands of the role.

Do you know if your Headteacher is accessing the free, independent support of their Professional Partner?

With the unprecedented national, regional and local pressures on school leaders, it is perhaps now more important than ever that you consider the well-being of your Headteacher.