Five Steps Ahead: A Practical Guide to Departmental Leadership in Schools

This practical guide by Laura Webb is designed for teachers stepping into middle leadership roles and those already leading departments who aim to enhance their impact. Focusing on actionable daily tasks rather than solely long-term strategy, the book offers a direct approach to team development, outcome improvement, and the establishment of sustainable systems within educational settings.

The core argument presented is that strong departments are cultivated through clarity and consistency in communication, systems, expectations, and priorities. These principles are broken down into manageable areas, including 'Learning People' and 'Managing Assessment'.

Each chapter is structured to provide practical strategies, real-world examples, and clear routines, empowering leaders to transition from reactive problem-solving to proactive and purposeful leadership. Whether you are securing your first leadership position or developing future leaders within your team, 'Five Steps Ahead' serves as both a comprehensive guide and a valuable reference tool.

The book encourages forward-thinking, the construction of robust foundations, and the fostering of creative departments where both staff and students can flourish.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Practical strategies for middle leadership in schools.
• Focus on daily actions and sustainable systems.
• Emphasis on clarity and consistency in departmental operations.
• Real examples and clear routines for proactive leadership.
• Supports leaders at all stages of their career journey.

Specifications:

• Author: Laura Webb
• Binding: Tankobon Hardcover
• Language: English
• Publication Date: September 11, 2026
• Publisher: Hachette Learning
• Page Count: 200 pages
• Dimensions: 14.6 x 1.8 x 20.8 cm
• Weight: 1.48 kg
• Reading Age: 18 years and up
• ISBN-10: 103600001X
• ISBN-13: 978-1036000011
• EAN: 9781036000011
• Release Date: 11 Sep 2026

This book is an essential resource for educators aiming to build effective and thriving school departments.