"Life has two rules: 

Rule Number One: never quit!

Rule Number Two: always remember rule number one!"

Duke Ellington

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

So many people have told me over the years that we can't have EVERY SCHOOL A GREAT SCHOOL. Personally, after my experiences over the years and recently in Sheffield, Nottingham and Lincoln, I simply don't believe the siren voices that say it can't be done.

HAPPY LAST SUNDAY OF 2012!

and whatever you do...

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS... WHATEVER IT TAKES!

Just in case you were wondering, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow isn't going to help us out! No-one will be offering increased public expenditure over the next decade and the era of plenty that we experienced is over. But that doesn't mean we can't transform outcomes and release the magic!

BRILLIANT, EXCEPTIONAL AND DIFFERENT!

Another term, another Christmas and another brilliant year!

BE PASSIONATE!

Another year spent with great leaders and great colleagues in some amazing schools reminds you about the importance of leadership. Great leaders are great learners… by constantly questioning and asking why. Great leaders are great performers… by being confident and energetic. Great leaders are great storytellers… by bringing strategies and policies alive. Great leaders accept responsibility… for decisions and outcomes and focus on what really matters. And above all, great leaders are passionate.
Be passionate!
Chris

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO SHARE THIS CHRISTMAS!

A friend sent me this and I wanted to share it with you at Christmas because it reminds us all that we should 'never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion'.

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE!

Another Christmas and for me 2012 has been another great year with more successes, more surprises, more brilliant stories, more shared adventures and, unlike a Puccini opera, no really sad ending!

WHO AM I TO BE BRILLIANT, GORGEOUS, HANDSOME, TALENTED AND FABULOUS?

THIS CHRISTMAS, REMEMBER...
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,

gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

STRESS MATTERS!

“I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”

Albert Einstein

THIS CHRISTMAS, EAT CHOCOLATE!

Chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical cacao tree. The Greek term means literally "food of the gods". Cacao beans were used by the Aztecs to prepare a hot, frothy drink with stimulant and restorative properties. Chocolate itself was reserved for warriors, nobility and priests because the Aztecs valued its ability to confer wisdom and vitality.

GREAT SCHOOLS FOR EVERYONE!

I have been arguing for ever that we must create great schools at the heart of every community so that everyone can have what people have told me is simply a dream; great outcomes for every child and young person...

... but, I really believe that it is possible to create GREAT SCHOOLS FOR EVERYONE!

NOT SOME SCHOOLS, EVERY SCHOOL A GREAT SCHOOL!

The challenge we face is to ensure that every school in every community strives and struggles to become a great school; not just the Free Schools, not just the Academies, but every school must become a great school delivering brilliant outcomes, learning from what works, wherever it is, and being uncompromising in the relentless pursuit of excellence!