How to support a new headteacher

As a chair, be clear on how you can support your new headteacher and induct them effectively. Download our checklist to help you keep track of what you need to do.

Last reviewed on 2 April 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 3937
Contents
  1. Set up regular meetings
  2. Tell them how your board works
  3. Download our checklist 
  4. Check for additional support

Set up regular meetings

Talk with your new headteacher and choose how and when you'll have regular catch-ups.

  • Decide how you’ll communicate
    • Phone, email, video calls, in person – use whatever works best for you and your headteacher, but remember to include some face-to-face meetings
  • Set a schedule
    • Base this on when your headteacher prefers to be contacted, including what time of day and how often
    • Try to stick to the same weekly or fortnightly slot, so you’re both clear on what’s expected and no one feels overloaded
  • Keep an eye on their wellbeing
    • It's important to put wellbeing on your meeting agenda to build a healthy habit of checking in on your headteacher

 Be clear on how else you can work well with your headteacher.

Tell them how your board works

Talk through what committees your board has and which areas have link governors. 

Let