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Critical Friends is the brainchild of two heads who, between them, have experience in schools spanning five decades. During that time, and more particularly the last ten years, they have been very aware that the pressures being faced by schools have grown at a frightening rate: so much so that increasing numbers of heads, teaching staff and even governors are finding the stresses intolerable. The need for support has never been greater, yet the right kind of support is extremely hard to find, particularly for heads, who frequently feel isolated and vulnerable. Critical Friends was born in response to this need.
Where does a head go to discuss fears, doubts, problems, hopes? To admit the need or desire to talk things through, and then to find an appropriate listener are situations
which need sensitivity and understanding:
- Heads are supposed to have all the answers automatically: to admit uncertainty can be seen as weakness and undermine authority.
- Discussion of sensitive issues with staff is often impossible until a clear course of action has been decided. Very little remains confidential in Common Rooms.
- Discussion with governors before ideas or concerns have been fully thought
through can be uncomfortable or even inappropriate.
- Discussion with colleagues can be extremely difficult in a competitive world.
Heads are offered a genuine, risk-free sounding board, providing confidential
support from people with many years of experience.
Critical Friends does not promise to solve a school's problems, for genuine solutions must come from within: but it does promise to help schools to find their own answers and have the confidence to act upon them.
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