Middle leadership

Southampton continues to look for leaders with passion, energy and inspiration, who can deliver the very best for children and young people. Whether you aspire to be one of our outstanding teachers, or to join our schools in another capacity, your contribution to raising teaching standards across the board will be recognised, nurtured and developed.

As we transform leadership across the city, we are seeing the development of alternative forms of school leadership emerging in a number of schools, for example co-headships and various forms of distributed leadership. Clusters of schools are working in ever closer partnership, as we see the emergence of a number of collaborations.

Holly's story:

"Having moved from Surrey to Southampton to study for my undergraduate degree in geophysical sciences, as well as my PGCE, I already felt settled in the city. My positive experience of the local schools while studying for my PGCE meant staying in Southampton to begin my teaching career was an easy decision.

“I have been teaching in Southampton for three and a half years, since qualifying as a secondary school science teacher. I have really enjoyed working within a diverse community of staff and students. I have been able to develop links with local authority advisors, advanced skills tutors universities and local businesses; this has enabled pupils to gain an insight into future education opportunities as well as how science can be used in the 'real world'.

“During my NQT year I took part in a number of twilight sessions and full day conferences which supported my development in those early stages. Since then, I have attended many training sessions both within my school and outside, to continue my professional development. I have also been lucky enough to work with local authority advisors on several projects within school, outreach departments from the universities, as well as local primary school teachers and other more experienced teachers. I have already started a NCSL Middle Leadership Development programme which is being headed up, jointly, by a member of staff from my school.

“I would encourage anyone thinking about moving to Southampton to go for it! I have found working in Southampton really enjoyable and have been well-supported throughout my training and first few years of teaching. In terms of living here, I have always felt safe and I like the fact that whilst it has all the facilities I might want on my doorstep, Southampton does not feel too busy or overcrowded. There are plenty of green parks and open spaces to enjoy.

“Over the next five years, I would like to continue my involvement in extra-curricular and enrichment activities, such as promoting STEM subjects, running special events and trips within school and helping to develop science teaching in primary schools via our primary liaison project. I would also be looking to move up from being a Key Stage 3 co-ordinator to a head of department, or second in department. More broadly, I hope to continue developing my teaching skills, both inside and outside the classroom. Finally, I hope I still enjoy my job as much as I do now!”