Thread by @simonbolger

Today, I am able to publicly share some personal news. I am standing down from my role as a headteacher. #headteacher #ukedchat #SLTchat

It is not a decision I take lightly at all – and it is one I made together with my family. I know lots of other heads who talk about ‘getting out’ or finding something else to do – but they just don’t know what.

I was appointed as a head at 31, and I’m 34 now. For what I lack in life experience I make up for in understanding that life is too short not to dare to make an impact.

It can be an overwhelming job at times and I can see how it can sometimes have a damaging impact on colleagues. But I am NOT standing down because I’m stressed, or because the job is too hard, or because I can’t cope.

In fact, at this moment in time I have never have so much energy, passion and enthusiasm for what I do. And it is for this reason I am standing down. Becoming a head meant that I was able to directly impact on the lives of hundreds of children and families....

– and it has been my privilege to do so.

But, unbelievably, I honestly feel like I have so much more energy to give, so many big messages to share, and so much more of a potential impact within me.

Yes, I have impacted on hundreds of children over the last few years – but now I want to take that number well into the thousands – and beyond.

I have seen how mental health and stress can affect teachers and children alike. The real truth is: the world is hurtling by faster than ever before – and it is only going to get faster and more difficult to cope with.

That is why I am starting That Wellbeing Guy. facebook.com/thatwellbeingg…

Through staff meetings, INSET Days, masterclasses and workshops I am absolutely determined to start a wellbeing revolution in our school communities.

I am also going to work directly with primary aged children and teach them lifelong skills and strategies to help them take personal responsibility for their own wellbeing and ensure they are well placed for future challenges.

Some people have said I am ‘brave’ and others have said I am ‘bonkers’. Maybe I’m both. But sometimes I think the world could do with a little more brave and bonkers.

Today I ask you to join me. To like and follow That Wellbeing Guy. To be at the start of something which I believe can shake and change education in this country to its core.

Thank you – and hopefully I’ll see you on the other side. 🚀

Simon

You can like and follow That Wellbeing Guy on Facebook at facebook.com/thatwellbeingg…