Celebrating the career of Anne Holmes, Headteacher at Milton Mount Primary School
Is being Headteacher the best job in the world, or are Headteachers simply the best people?
“Being Headteacher is the best job in the world”. As a secondary Headteacher for ten years, this is a statement I would include in my open evening speech to prospective parents every year. I would tell them that I had the two best and most powerful jobs; as Headteacher and being a parent, because I helped shape the lives of children. Obviously, I was making a bold statement for dramatic effect, and there were days when both of those roles felt nothing like the best jobs in the world. However, overall, I genuinely loved being a Headteacher. I have recently reflected on whether there is something uniquely special about being a Headteacher.
This reflection was prompted by Anne Holmes, the Milton Mount Primary School Headteacher, retiring this summer. When our Greensand Heads and leaders were quizzing her as part of her leaving celebrations she used those exact words, "being Headteacher is the best job in the world”. And whilst the ten other Headteachers in the room were all feeling the usual end-of-year fatigue, every one of them nodded in agreement. Why is it that those of us who are in, or have been in the role, believe it is the best job in the world? Is the job so special, or are we a special type of person? I think it is both and I think Anne Holmes, Headteacher for twenty-six years in two different schools, articulates and exemplifies this perfectly.
I recently met with Anne and talked through what being a Headteacher has meant to her:
If you were trying to sell the role of Headteacher, what would you say?
This is the best job in the world because you have an influence. You can create a culture where you bring communities together.
What are the top five values that you live by?
My first value is always kindness; I share this with children all the time. Different values rise to the top at different times. Honesty is usually there and the importance of family. I try hard to understand the families in our community.
Do you have a routine or process for helping to make difficult decisions?
I don’t make them on the hoof. I think things through and share with a trusted colleague. Sometimes I write down the options and if it’s over a weekend, I go out walking to think it through.
Is there a particular decision or choice you have made that you regret?
I try not to hold on to things too much. You can’t, you have to move on to the next thing.
What is your advice for managing an underperforming member of staff?
Be honest as early as possible about the concerns. Then find out what they do well and try to build upon that so you’re working from a position of strength.
What keeps you awake at night?
Safeguarding issues. Wondering whether we have done everything we possibly can to make sure they are safe.
Is there someone you have worked with in your career that you really admired, or learnt from?
The Headteacher who made me believe in myself. She continuously put me just outside of my comfort zone and clearly had a career plan for me.
For someone who has been in the world of education their entire working life and a Headteacher for 26 years, what advice would you give to someone to sustain a career in education?
Embrace change, make sure you laugh often, enjoy being with the children and surround yourself with a great team of people.
If you could give yourself, as a new Headteacher, one piece of advice, what would it be?
Whatever you do, whatever mistakes you make, learn from them and move on.
Can you sum up in three words your time as a Headteacher?
I can’t do three words, so three statements are -
1. Never planned!
2. Best job in the world.
3. Exciting - never had time to be bored.
It takes a very special person to be a Headteacher. It takes an exceptional person to be a Headteacher as successful, as respected, as admired and as loved as Anne Holmes.
Her legacy can be seen in the physical environment of the school, the curriculum, the teaching, the clubs, the culture, in everything. But perhaps the greatest legacy will be in the hearts and minds of the many lives she has touched. The values she’s instilled, the confidences she’s built, and the dreams she has ignited that will continue to flourish long after she has left. The school community will carry forward the lessons she has taught and strive to honour her legacy by continuing to inspire and support many children, staff and families to come.
I think this quote encapsulates Anne as a Headteacher:
"A Headteacher is the guardian of a school's spirit. They nurture its values, celebrate its achievements, and guide its challenges with wisdom and grace. Their leadership is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for children and staff alike, and ensuring that education remains a powerful force for good in the world." — Anonymous
Anne Holmes has transformed many lives and has been a powerful force for good in the world. She has helped children and staff step into their greatness.
She has done the best job in the world, and she has been simply the best.
Sue Wardlow
CEO, Greensand Multi Academy Trust
