Q: What is your role?
A: Leading our school towards being the very best it can possibly be.

Q: You were identified for Team Talks by your colleagues. Why is this work important to you?
A: I’ve been a headteacher for nearly thirteen years now, and for the past three years I’ve had the privilege of leading at John Rankin. It truly is the best job in the world. Of course, it comes with its challenges — no two days are ever the same — but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. What I find most fulfilling is seeing a team come together around a shared vision and watching that vision translate into real, tangible impact for children. Over time, you begin to see culture shift, staff grow in confidence and leadership, and children thrive within an environment you’ve intentionally shaped.

“Seeing a team come together around a shared vision and watching it translate into real impact for children is incredibly rewarding.”

Q: What motivates you to keep pushing this work forward?
A: The children and our families. We have to get it right for them. I’ve always believed that if you keep children and staff at the heart of every decision, you won’t go far wrong. That clarity keeps me focused, even when the role is demanding. Having a vision and seeing it through is one of the most rewarding parts of headship. As Ken Robinson said, “Childhood is not a rehearsal.” We only get one opportunity to get this right — and that’s what drives me every day.

Q: What has shaped your approach? What have you learned along the way?
A: My hashtag is #ShineOn — it reflects how I always strive to lead and live my life. Challenges are part of the job, but it’s how you respond, grow and remain aligned with your values that defines you. During difficult times, including a challenging Ofsted, it's about staying steady, positive and forward-facing. We try to anchor everything in three questions: What is the purpose? What impact will this have on our children? And what impact will it have on staff workload and wellbeing?

“When staff feel valued and united behind a shared vision, their passion shines through and children ultimately thrive.”

Q: Which MET value connects most strongly to your work and why?
A: Work Together. I’ve always believed that the only way to create a world-class education system is by working together. Collaboration, sharing best practice and opening our doors to one another is the most effective way to improve outcomes for all children.

Q: What advice would you give to colleagues interested in similar work?
A: Know that this is the very best job in the world, but every day brings challenges and complexities. Whenever it feels heavy, sit with a child and watch the joy of the struggle — that moment of perseverance followed by sheer delight when they succeed. Always remember your why and keep it close.

Q: Any final reflections?
A: We still have so much work to do, but with everyone pulling together we will make John Rankin incredible. Seeing a team united behind a shared vision is one of the most inspiring parts of headship. When children feel safe, inspired and proud to be part of their community, you know the culture is right.

Thank you, Flora, for sharing your reflections with us in this Team Talk.

#TeamMET #JohnRankinSchools #SchoolLeadership #EducationLeadership #WorkTogether