Good to Great

I have visited two schools this week that have made the transition from Good to Great. It is an absolute delight to work with schools like this as we can all learn so much from them.

Some of the key reasons for their success are:

• They have made a conscious decision to be great - it is not a matter of chance
• They know that relentless ‘tweaking’ of systems based on ongoing evaluation is what is needed. This takes time and effort, and is not at all easy.?
• They never transform provision. They know what is good, and find out what isn’t working. They have no problem in creating a STOP DOING list rather than lots of TO DO lists!?
• They know that there is no ‘silver bullet’ or ‘magic formula’ for greatness. Most of their success is down to hard work and determination.?
• They are more like hedgehogs than foxes - They know one big thing and stick to it - children’s achievement. They are not tempted by the latest fads or fashions. They question everything and do not fall into the trap of being foxes: cunning creatures that pop up everywhere, trying to get an easy meal.

IS YOUR SCHOOL A HEDGEHOG OR A FOX?