By a principal at a school in the South West. 

As a deputy headteacher or vice principal with aspirations for headship, you're likely pondering whether to pursue an internal headteacher position or seek opportunities at another school. This dilemma is akin to holding a strong hand in a card game and deciding whether to stick or twist. Having navigated this crossroads twice myself, I offer reflections on both paths to help you make an informed decision.

The opportunities and rewards of headship
Leading a school is an incredibly rewarding career choice and, in my opinion, is the best job there is. Despite the challenges in today's educational landscape, headteachers have a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on their students and staff. But it can be a bruising experience with the high-stakes accountability, inadequate funding, and a teacher recruitment crisis. Because of these pressures, choosing the right school is crucial, and deciding between internal and external applications is a common conundrum.

The case for sticking with your current school
Opting for an internal promotion has several advantages. As an internal candidate, you already understand the school's culture, strengths, and areas for improvement. This familiarity means you can hit the ground running, maintaining momentum and avoiding the "leadership lag" associated with onboarding an external headteacher. Trustees and governors often appreciate this seamless transition, and you can leverage this continuity during your interview.

When I applied internally to become headteacher in 2017, I had been working at the school as deputy headteacher for five years. This was my first headship application and whilst feeling very anxious at the thought of a gruelling two-day selection process, overwhelmed by ‘imposter syndrome’ and very aware of the strength of the other external candidates in the field, I played my internal candidate card a number of times throughout the two days – as it turns out to my advantage.

The perspective of an external applicant
Leadership expert Martin Moore famously said "The people who built the house can’t renovate the house." While this may not always hold true, it’s worth considering in the context of school leadership. An external headteacher brings fresh perspectives and can challenge established norms, potentially setting a new strategic direction. This being said, the house may only need minor renovation and strong practices may only need boosting rather than changing. Be mindful of this and the existing efforts in the setting during your interview. If you’re applying externally, emphasize your ability to objectively assess the school’s needs and introduce innovative solutions. Prior to your interview, I recommend conducting thorough research, such as a SCORE analysis (strengths, challenges, opportunities, risks, and environment), to present a clear vision for the school's future which respects the efforts that have already been made.

When I applied for my current post as principal last year, I begun the two-day selection process having completed a SCORE analysis, however, I subtly used the first day to fine-tune this throughout the panel interviews and informal conversations. This enabled me to challenge my assumptions and to adjust the analysis that evening ahead of my presentation and final interview on day 2.

Balancing internal and external opportunities
Deciding between internal and external applications involves weighing stability against the potential for change. If your current school is performing well, your role may focus on sustaining success. However, if improvement is needed, an external perspective could be invaluable. Tailor your approach based on the specific circumstances of the school you’re applying to, ensuring you respect existing efforts while presenting your vision for progress.

Further support for aspiring headteachers
For those seeking more guidance, ASCL offers an intensive one-day course, Aspiring to Headship. This course covers key aspects of headship, including internal versus external application strategies, and provides practical exercises to enhance your leadership skills. More information on this is available here.

By refining your decision-making process and preparing thoroughly, you can confidently choose the path that aligns best with your career goals and the needs of the schools you wish to lead.