Product reviews for Making The Leap

A major issue facing local authorities and academy trusts within all sectors of education are the high level of vacancies for head teachers. In an excellent book to encourage teachers who are reluctant to take on the additional responsibilities of headship, Jill Berry has drawn on her extensive practical and academic experience to offer quality guidance to those contemplating -˜making the leap'.

The author addresses the key questions faced by many prospective and reluctant candidates whose inner voice is asking -˜why would I want to?', -˜do I really want the extra responsibility?', -˜will I be able to face the unexpected and difficult challenges?', etc. Jill Berry openly acknowledges that, unlike many heads who are thrown in at the deep end, she was fortunate prior to her first headship to have a -˜year-long lead-in period'. She is aware that many heads are -˜put to the test' without initial support or time to familiarise themselves with key features and personalities within the school, or to build relationships with senior staff and other key groups. She has broadened her awareness and insight into difficulties faced and responds by basing a great deal of her research on the work of six heads who have all faced a wide range of challenges. It was interesting to note that all of the research participants considered that the learning journey was a continuous process on a daily basis.  



The structure and content of the book, with questions for reflection along with a broad range of reference material at the end of each chapter, is extremely thought provoking. The section on applying for headship will enable the reader to be self-reflective and judgmental with regard to key issues they face in order to make the leap successfully. This is an excellent text which all skilled teachers and middle managers contemplating -˜making the leap' should read as a priority to gain the skills, awareness and confidence of making a successful landing.