With the education sector facing an unprecedented recruitment and retention crisis, former head of science Jagdeep Pabla felt it was time to celebrate the often-unseen work of school leaders who create cultures where people can thrive over long and fulfilling careers in the classroom. By ‘holding a mirror up to those changing the narrative’, she set out to recognise the practices that are sustaining and strengthening the profession.

What began as a simple LinkedIn post has grown into the National Education Diversity Awards. These awards will shine a light on the people and practices transforming education by recognising inclusive and sustainable school cultures that champion flexible working and create space for every voice – particularly those historically underrepresented in the classroom, staffroom and boardroom. Here, Jagdeep speaks to NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen about her story and the awards.

NAHT is one of several organisations endorsing the awards. Find out more at nationaleducationdiversityawards.com.

Head teacher Patrick Cozier talks to NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen about the calm approach to school leadership he has developed over 24 years as a school leader.

Patrick explores the importance of acknowledging the feelings that come with school leadership, coping with paranoia, maintaining optimism, leading your own way, and much more – sharing an approach that helped him evolve from being a new school leader who was petrified of the job to someone who really enjoys what they do.

Calm Leadership: Staying grounded, staying in control and staying the course is available from Crown House Publishing and other booksellers.

For more insightful and engaging discussions on key issues in education and school leadership, explore NAHT’s online magazine ⁠⁠⁠Leadership Focus⁠⁠⁠.

Join Rowena Hicks, an experienced teacher and deputy head, as she shares her experience of burnout – a challenge faced by so many school leaders. You’ll hear Rowena talk about the role of self-reflection, core competencies, micro changes and psychological safety, and offer practical suggestions for schools to transform their approach to burnout and bring about better outcomes for students.

Rowena is facilitating NAHT’s Make Time for What Matters webinar, which takes place from 9.30am to midday on Thursday 6 February 2026.

For more about Rowena’s work, see rowenahicks.com, where you can also learn more about her podcast, Beat Teacher Burnout!

For more insightful and engaging discussions on key issues in education and school leadership, explore NAHT’s online magazine ⁠⁠Leadership Focus⁠⁠.