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Insights

We regularly produce articles that we hope will inform, inspire, and provide insights into school strategy and leadership.

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Principal Succession Planning: What Schools Forget After the Appointment

Principal Succession Planning: What Schools Forget After the Appointment
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Leadership Development
Organisational Culture
People

Principal succession planning shouldn’t end with the appointment. Strong transitions depend on thoughtful induction, cultural understanding, and continuity in the relationship between the Principal and Board Chair.

When ‘The Vibe of the Thing’ Isn’t Enough | Making Better Decisions Under Pressure

When ‘The Vibe of the Thing’ Isn’t Enough | Making Better Decisions Under Pressure

Leadership Development
People

When time is short and the stakes are high, intuition can easily take over. This article explores how Boards and leaders can use simple decision-making disciplines to test assumptions, counter groupthink, and make better choices under pressure.

The Fear of Strategic Stagnation | When School Strategy Stops Moving

The Fear of Strategic Stagnation | When School Strategy Stops Moving

Strategy
Change Management

When strategy stalls, the hardest part may not be failure but the absence of progress. I explore why strategic stagnation can drain school leaders, how activity can mask a lack of movement, and what Principals and Boards can do to restore momentum.

Strategic Dexterity Is a Practice | How school leaders can sharpen their strategic edge

Strategic Dexterity Is a Practice | How school leaders can sharpen their strategic edge

Strategy
Leadership Development

Great strategists aren’t born with strategic dexterity. They build it through practice. This article explores how school leaders can sharpen their strategic thinking, challenge assumptions, make better choices, and measure whether they are genuinely improving.

What Is Your School Really About? | Strategic Centering for Schools

What Is Your School Really About? | Strategic Centering for Schools

Innovation
Strategy

What is your school really about? Strategic centering challenges schools to move beyond broad purpose statements and make clearer choices about what truly guides decisions, investment, and leadership.

When Does AI Become a Competitive Advantage for Schools?

When Does AI Become a Competitive Advantage for Schools?

Innovation

Schools are racing to prepare for AI—but does moving first create an advantage? The real opportunity may lie not in adopting AI fastest, but in learning where it genuinely improves student learning, reduces workload and creates value competitors cannot easily copy.

Show Me Your Budget

Show Me Your Budget

Strategy
Organisational Culture

A school’s budget reveals more than what it can afford. It shows what leaders are willing to prioritise, reject, and stop. True resourcing strategy begins when worthwhile requests are declined so the school’s primary goal receives the money, time, and attention it requires.

How Schools Should Celebrate Earned Wins

How Schools Should Celebrate Earned Wins

Organisational Culture
Strategy
People

Schools often move too quickly from one goal to the next. This article explores what makes a win earned, why celebration matters, and how schools can recognise success meaningfully.

Business Strategy in Schools: Who Should Be at the Table?

Business Strategy in Schools: Who Should Be at the Table?

Strategy

Who should shape business strategy in schools? Explore the pros, cons, and risks of too many decision-makers at the strategy table.

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