What really changes a school?
After more than 26 years in education, including 10 years as a headteacher, Paul Collin reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped his career and why sustainable school improvement always begins with people.
Most heads aren't short on effort when it comes to attendance.
The harder truth: so much of it often rests on one or two people — and when that's the case, it never feels steady, however hard everyone works.
That's the work I do. I run a funded Senior Attendance & Leadership Resilience Check for headteachers and trust leaders in complex schools.
It starts with a short strategic assessment. For eligible schools, it opens into a full process:
- On-site school visit
- Detailed, school-specific report
- Follow-up strategy session
- Practical leadership tools for a clear 90-day plan
Typically valued at £1,000 — currently funded for eligible schools.
Apply here → https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/
In this conversation, Paul discusses school culture, leadership, behaviour, attendance, relationships, teacher development, school improvement and why young people thrive when they feel genuinely valued.
The discussion explores:
• Why culture matters more than quick fixes
• Building sustainable school improvement
• Relationships before behaviour
• Leadership beyond job titles
• Why attendance starts with belonging
• Developing teachers through coaching rather than pressure
• Why schools must create environments where young people can succeed
Whether you're a headteacher, teacher, trust leader or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical insights into building schools where both staff and pupils thrive.
00:00 – Why School Culture Changes Everything
01:48 – Introducing Paul Collin
02:40 – Who Is Paul Outside Education?
05:10 – When Headship Becomes Your Identity
06:14 – Work-Life Integration for School Leaders
08:43 – 26 Years in Education & 10 Years in Headship
11:54 – Why Paul Left Headship
14:28 – The Truth About School Improvement Consultancy
17:18 – Leadership, Trusts and Executive Leadership
19:23 – Should CEOs Have Teaching Experience?
23:20 – Why Relationships Matter More Than Behaviour
24:31 – Attendance, Leadership and School Improvement
25:36 – Why Teachers Must Keep Growing
27:40 – Dream-Weaving: The Teachers We Never Forget
29:52 – Behaviour Is an Outcome, Not the Problem
35:21 – Culture Is the Foundation of School Improvement
36:01 – What Excites Paul About Transforming Schools
37:45 – Why You Can't Rush School Improvement
39:32 – The First Thing to Fix in Any School
41:05 – Why Uniform Still Matters
46:30 – Standards, Pride and Professionalism
50:58 – Rethinking 'Disadvantage' in Education
52:30 – Closing the Attainment Gap
57:18 – The Education White Paper
01:01:30 – The Questions We Should Ask Pupils
01:04:25 – Mobile Phones, Schools and Social Media
01:10:00 – What Makes a Great Teacher?
01:20:00 – The Power of Relationships in Schools
01:30:40 – Why Headship After Hours Exists
