NAHT

One day to go until NAHT Annual Conference 2026⏳ Tomorrow, elected school leader representatives will come together to debate motions, agree policy and set NAHT’s priorities for the year ahead. The decisions taken at conference shape our campaigning and our conversations with the government. You can follow proceedings via the live stream on our website and keep an eye on our channels for updates from conference📲

School leadership is a people business, but growing pressure is pushing relationships to breaking point. In our latest issue of Leadership Focus, we look at why more leaders are leaving early and why acting sooner can protect well-being and careers. Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary: “No one has any time to be ‘human’ anymore.” 🔗 bit.ly/4cU4T8e

This week, elected school leader representatives will meet to consider the issues facing the profession and agree the priorities that will guide NAHT’s work over the year ahead. Conference is a key moment in our democratic process, ensuring members’ views continue to shape our policy, campaigning and conversations with the government. We will be sharing key decisions and messages as they are agreed via a live stream on our website, so members can stay informed about what is happening and what it means for school leaders across the sector.

🎬 Watch Nicola Kearney, a member of NAHT's national executive, tell ITV's GMB News about the challenges posed by a crumbling school estate. Our survey found over half of school leaders say parts of their school are out of use or not fit for purpose - read the full results: bit.ly/4t1Fcsu

Behind every great school is a leader who deserves solid protection and a voice that’s heard. NAHT membership puts guidance, advocacy, and professional security right at your fingertips: the real essentials in any leader’s toolkit. It truly is support that meets your challenges, every single day. 🔗 Join today and receive a £50 voucher: bit.ly/4jRkh7Z

Don't miss this opportunity to join our friendly sales and retention team! We're looking for someone with a strong track record in sales to be an ambassador for NAHT and build relationships with our members and their colleagues. 📆 Apply by 6 May 2026 👉 bit.ly/4vXS4Tg

🏫 Children deserve safe, fit‑for‑purpose schools. NAHT findings reveal serious problems with school buildings across England: 🔧 Over half of school leaders (51%) say parts of their school are out of use or not fit for purpose 🚽 Of these, nearly three quarters report toilets that are closed or not suitable for use 🪟 More than three quarters say basic infrastructure like windows, roofs or doors is unfit for purpose 💷 Almost all leaders (96%) say they do not receive enough funding to maintain buildings While the government is putting some additional funding in, our findings show the sheer scale of the challenge ahead after years of under-investment. 🔗 bit.ly/4t1Fcsu

🏫 School buildings should be safe, warm and fit for learning New NAHT findings show too many school leaders are battling crumbling infrastructure while struggling to secure the funding needed to put things right. While the government is putting some additional funding in, our findings show the sheer scale of the challenge ahead after years of under-investment. 🔗 bit.ly/4tBX7Hf

Performance coach David Osgathorp has worked with elite athletes, CEOs and high-performing teams, helping them unlock sustainable success without sacrificing well-being, and now it’s your turn. Join the Inspiring Leadership Conference 2026, to hear from David on how you can optimise energy, mindset and performance in a world that never slows down. 📅 4 to 5 June | ICC Birmingham. Register today: bit.ly/4rOCN5b

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 11 to 17 May, with a focus on Action, the small, meaningful steps we can take to support wellbeing in our schools and colleges. Education Support has created a Mental Health Awareness toolkit to help settings start conversations about mental health and create cultures where staff feel supported, valued and able to take action. The toolkit brings together practical exercises and resources you can share with your team throughout the week. 🔗 Download the toolkit from Education Support: bit.ly/4c3GG0f

🎧 New podcast episode Since January 2026, Ofsted’s new inspection framework has been fully in place for schools across England. NAHT has consistently raised concerns about the risks it poses to school leaders and has secured some important improvements, but significant issues remain. In the latest episode of the School Leadership Podcast, Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, reflects on the impact of the framework so far, the challenges leaders are experiencing and NAHT’s ongoing work with Ofsted and the government to secure a fairer, safer inspection system. 🎙️ Click below to listen, or follow the School Leadership Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. bit.ly/3OF5m64

New Tes research shows most teachers do not feel equipped to support pupils experiencing emotionally based school avoidance. Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at NAHT, said: “The policy focus from government has been on improving attendance figures. However, policies like increasing parental fines for unauthorised absence and introducing AI‑generated attendance targets do not by themselves address the issues which keep children out of school long‑term. “It feels like a really concerted effort to tackle the root causes of deeply engrained absence is missing.” Greater investment in specialist support from health and social care professionals, and training and resources for schools is essential to help meet pupils’ needs and ensure every child feels safe, included and able to learn. bit.ly/4u7cabY

Gain clarity and confidence in the Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) process by joining our Solving the SEND Puzzle on 14 May 2026. By joining this course, you’ll get a practical, legally informed guide to: • Writing specific, high quality EHCPs • Navigating statutory timescales • Preparing robust consultation responses • Challenging unlawful or unreasonable decisions Plus, 30 day access to the recording - perfect for busy leaders. Empower your SEND decision making and strengthen outcomes for pupils. 🔗 Book your place today: bit.ly/47uZfqn

⏰ One week to go! NAHT Annual Conference 2026 takes place on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 May at ICC Belfast. Our Annual Conference is where union policy is shaped and members’ voices lead the way forward. School leaders from across the UK will come together to debate key issues, vote on priorities and help set the direction of our union. We will be live streaming sessions from Belfast on our website, so follow along next week 👀 🔗 bit.ly/3wg8Cfd

📚 Revise right with BBC Bitesize With GCSEs and National examinations approaching, BBC Bitesize has expert revision support for your students. From core subject revision collections and exam-style questions to study guides, flashcards and podcasts on BBC Sounds, there is something to suit every learner. Students can also access study support, revision timetables and well-being tips to help them stay motivated. Available on the Bitesize website and app, with extra support via WhatsApp and YouTube. bbc.in/4g6ncrU

📢 We’re recruiting: Regional Head for the South West. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to support school leaders and shape NAHT’s organising, representation, bargaining and campaigning work across the South West. ✅ Home based, with travel across the region ✅ Salary £69,262 rising to £72,907 ✅ Excellent benefits including generous annual leave, pension and well-being support If you want to influence the future of the education system and lead our regional work, we would like to hear from you. 🗓️ Closing date: 17 May 🔗 Apply here: bit.ly/4sKQUr9

📉 New research suggests two in five school leaders are being forced to cut back support for pupils with SEND, as school budgets continue to be stretched. Staffing, subject choices, trips and specialist support are also all being reduced in many schools. Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: “The last thing school leaders want to have to do is cut provision for pupils, but despite some welcome additional government investment, school finances remain in a perilous state.” School leaders are clear more investment is needed - including ensuring schools can properly support children with SEND. bit.ly/4csEf7F

Your role is complex. Your support shouldn’t be. The support you rely on should be as strong as the leadership you deliver. NAHT gives you practical, reliable help when it matters, from expert advisers to tailored resources that fit your day-to-day reality. We’re here for every leader, at every stage of your journey. 🔗 Join today and we’ll welcome you with a £50 voucher: bit.ly/4jRkh7Z

A new National Audit Office report warns that falling primary pupil numbers could put significant pressure on schools unless there is a coordinated national response. Responding to the report, Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary said: “The decline in primary pupil numbers is hitting some schools hard - especially smaller ones that have less buffer to navigate fluctuating budgets.” There is a real opportunity for better planning across the system to protect schools and ensure provision meets local need. 🔗 Read the article: bit.ly/3OlLdlE

We are looking for an experienced Regional Organiser for the South Central region to join NAHT. This part-time, home-based role plays a vital part in supporting school leaders, strengthening local branches and delivering campaigns that protect and promote members’ interests. ✅ Three days per week (21 hours) ✅ Generous holiday and well-being leave ✅ Pension, learning opportunities and cash for car allowance ✅ Meaningful work for school leaders and learners 📅 Applications close on 17 May 2026 Find out more and apply 👇 bit.ly/4ctSWFY