On both sides of the Atlantic we are facing a school leadership vacuum as the Baby Boomer generation heads towards retirement. Ambition doesn’t have to be a dirty word, and there is a recipe for success in moving up the hierarchy in school which benefits everyone. If you are in the early stages of your career, and would like to lead in education, then give these ideas a try. They have all been passed on to me by successful leaders and are definitely worth sharing!

1. Find an influential sponsor in school. This should be someone on or close to the leadership team. They should be unafraid of taking risks and be able to see your potential. They will act as your advocate and guarantor, and will make sure you get noticed.

2. Volunteer for whole school projects. Look at your school’s inspection reports and improvement plans to find the projects that need doing and offer to get them done, even if they involve working outside your remit. Senior leaders are always stretched for time and will appreciate your support. There is no such thing as a school with no room for improvement, although not everyone will see it that way! Tread carefully and keep your diplomatic radar switched to ‘empathic’.

3. Don’t be too picky or too precious about the projects you take on, and stay positive. Take the rough and the smooth will follow once you have shown what you are made of, especially if you demonstrate that you can deliver reliably.

4. Add value. Whether it’s raising standards, saving money, generating positive buzz or making the learning experience for kids at your school better, make sure that there are tangible and measurable outcomes to your projects. You are aiming to create an amazing list of great outcomes that you were responsible for.

5. Get positive exposure in school and in the community. Generate ‘good news’ stories for the local newspaper. Make sure you submit regular articles to your school newsletter. Invite parents and teachers to share in the success of your projects, whether through a website, a letter home or a celebration event. Document what happens with photos, student and staff testimonials and your own learning journal.

6. Network 360° and use feedback. Build up a strong network of peers both locally and beyond who can act as critical friends for your ideas. Make sure you are the first to know about new developments in your area, and make it your business to understand the key challenges and strengths in your school community, including your own.

Good luck getting that promotion!