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Caroline Barlow

@carolinebarlow.bsky.social
1.3K followers 821 following 139 posts

Headteacher Heathfield Community College. History teacher. LLE. MBA. HTRG. Co-Chair #HeadsRoundtable #AmbitionLeadership. All views my own. Occasional blogging/published pieces via: residueofthinking.wordpress.com

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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Noticing Robinsons are still playing *that* advert. Have not bought from them since they did, nor will I.
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Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
'In 2020 leaders took collaboration into their own hands providing the civic leadership that ensured they did all they could collectively to reach young people isolated by the pandemic in more ways than one' schoolsweek.co.uk/remembering-how-w…
schoolsweek.co.uk
Remembering how we managed Covid can help SEND challenge
Collaboration between teachers and schools boosts everyone but we risk backsliding to a culture of competition and compliance
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
A pleasant coincidence that two conversations I had before Christmas have aligned to feature in the top two education news stories of the last week. So grateful to be able to have a voice and that it resonates or helps in the overall discussions. Both available in @tesmagazine.bsky.social
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
I would move. But sadly I am unable. #BoxingDay
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Tes magazine @tesmagazine.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
‘Their resilience is not just necessary through circumstance; it is a reflection of a deep sense of purpose’: the determination of teachers in Ukraine is an inspiration to us all, writes @carolinebarlow.bsky.social
tes.com
A powerful end-of-term reminder that education gives us hope
With the tiring autumn term coming to an end, Caroline Barlow says the determination of teachers in Ukraine to keep delivering education in their war-ravaged country should be an inspiration to us all
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Pleased to be able to contribute to the SEND reform conversation today, alongside some giants of the inclusion agenda. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/conversati...
eventbrite.co.uk
Conversation on 'local' SEND reform principle with the Schools Minister
Join the Schools Minister and a panel of experts for a live online discussion as part of a series of events focussed on SEND reform.
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Thanks to @tesmagazine.bsky.social for sharing the resilience and hope offered by our Ukrainian colleagues.🇺🇦 www.tes.com/magazine/lea...
tes.com
A powerful end-of-term reminder that education gives us hope
With the tiring autumn term coming to an end, Caroline Barlow says the determination of teachers in Ukraine to keep delivering education in their war-ravaged country should be an inspiration to us all
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
This is excellent and a great follow on from dialogue yesterday: schoolsweek.co.uk/the-real-sen...
schoolsweek.co.uk
The real SEND story behind the OBR shock
One trust leader calls for caution over shock estimates of the potential impact of SEND funding
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
You can reduce the number of AHT at secondary imho but unless the number of roles schools have to play is reduced then all that will happen is they will be replaced with more TLRs.
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headsroundtable.bsky.social @headsroundtable.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Such a welcome opportunity to be positive about the changes coming our way. Thank you to the #CAR Team and @beckyfrancis.bsky.social www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
tes.com
Why this curriculum review is a rare thing the sector should savour
After years of policy turbulence, we finally have an evidence-based blueprint for change that trusts teachers as the experts, writes MAT chief executive Dan Morrow
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Autumn in St James Park. Taking time. 🍂
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
I am very much looking forward to this alongside co-chair @keziah70.bsky.social
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Year 11 here. Not saying there haven’t been times, especially in the last 3 years, the exit hasn’t looked highly attractive but this is a job where with the right team, support and mission you can make a huge difference. #bestjobintheworld (mostly!)
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Great Day, great atmosphere. Twickenham was ‘all in’ and loud! #RugbyWorldCup #RWC2025 #RedRoses
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Looking forward to discussing this research, sustainability of high quality leadership is a challenge and a priority.
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Crown House Publishing @crownhousepub.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Thank you to @carolinebarlow.bsky.social for this lovely review of @ensermark.bsky.social & @greeborunner.bsky.social ’s new book! 📘 “A powerful body of wisdom” to help you start off the new school year right. #HowDoTheyDoIt? is available exclusively via our website – find out more: buff.ly/3K6qYvp
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Well this is mighty fine company I’m keeping here! Well done @greeborunner.bsky.social and @ensermark.bsky.social!
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Just this. Well done everyone, we’ve earned this time.
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Patrick Cozier @calmleadership.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Something I never thought I’d say out loud: I’ve written a book! 📖 It’s called #CalmLeadership and it’s coming out in October 2025, published by the incredible team at Crown House Publishing. #CalmLeadership #LeadershipMatters #EducationLeadership #Headteacher #Wellbeing
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
There are some good people on this list. 👏👏 #MATReferenceGroup www.tes.com/magazine/new...
tes.com
Revealed: the 20 leaders in DfE’s MAT chiefs group
The new advisory group, due to meet for the first time next week, includes the leaders of many of the biggest academy trusts, an email seen by Tes reveals
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
I do enjoy it when @jonnyuttley.bsky.social writes like this; it’s strong, passionate and - I believe- it’s right! #beststartinlfe www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
tes.com
Why ‘Best Start’ is a fresh start in tackling disadvantage
The government’s updated Sure Start approach should be embraced by schools as the right way to address educational inequality, argues Jonny Uttley
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headsroundtable.bsky.social @headsroundtable.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
This is potentially game changing for families. The support they need, used to have, and have missed ….. finally some extra support to alleviate the gaps that schools have been stretched too thin trying to fill. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Family hubs to open in every council in England
Government says £500m plan aims to support an extra half a million more children.
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Honour to be asked & absolutely loved being part of a double act with @keziah70.bsky.social as well as hearing the support there is from @cmckinnellmp.bsky.social and DfE - thank you for a great afternoon @ascl-uk.bsky.social
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Looking forward to meeting people and speaking at the @ascl-uk.bsky.social New Headteachers conference today alongside @keziah70.bsky.social
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
It was great to talk to @ttradioofficial.bsky.social on Friday about headship, leadership, the pipeline into the profession and @headsroundtable.bsky.social - do have a listen! www.podbean.com/eas/pb-wfwys...
podbean.com
The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith
Listen to this fascinating chat between two experienced school heads about how to survive and thrive in the role. This is great listening for anyone interested in being a school leader and what its li...
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headsroundtable.bsky.social @headsroundtable.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Congratulations to all from our sector receiving honours. It is great to see any and all efforts to restore our profession to a respected and valued pillar in both individual children and families lives but also the significant contribution to our wider collective benefit. 👏👏
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
The one where I had fun talking about headship, leadership, @headsroundtable.bsky.social and the pipeline into the profession. I'm listening to Teachers Talk Radio | The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith on Podbean, check it out! www.podbean.com/wlei/pb-wfwy...
podbean.com
The Headteacher's Survival Kit: The Morning Break with Carl Smith
Listen to this fascinating chat between two experienced school heads about how to survive and thrive in the role. This is great listening for anyone interested in being a school leader and what its li...
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
You know you’ve got a good one when….. He realises he is mansplaining the opening of a window to you over the phone and stops to admonish himself! ❤️
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BBC Newsnight @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
“This is a credible attempt to regain control of the growth narrative.” Leading economist Mohamed El-Erian gives his assessment of the Spending Review, but warns: “for it to work, you need the private sector to buy in - quickly.” #Newsnight
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Love love love this from @helenamarsh.bsky.social, well written and spot on in terms of one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a Headteacher. www.tes.com/magazine/lea...
tes.com
The joy of creating a school culture where staff thrive
For our series in which headteachers outline what makes the job so rewarding, Helena Marsh explains why helping staff to grow and develop is so gratifying
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Could agree more with @jonnyuttley.bsky.social - a swift and realistic view on the spending review. www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
tes.com
Times are still tight, but the Spending Review sends the right signals
The fact that education has done better in the government’s Spending Review than other departments shows a positive change in priorities, writes this MAT chief executive
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headsroundtable.bsky.social @headsroundtable.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Congratulations @andrewoneill.bsky.social
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headsroundtable.bsky.social @headsroundtable.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Looking forward to seeing many of our team present at @educationfest.bsky.social 2025.
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Patrick Cozier @calmleadership.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Getting increasingly excited for Festival of Education 2025! 🎉 🗓 Join me on 3rd July for my session on Calm Leadership. Then on 4th July, with my Heads' Roundtable colleagues Helena Marsh, Kulvarn Atwal, Caroline Barlow and Binks Neate-Evans on Emotionally Intelligent Leadership. See you there!
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Translation: @keziah70.bsky.social and the @headsroundtable.bsky.social colleagues who contributed to this are amazing and change lives in schools with their teams everyday. Many thanks to @tesmagazine.bsky.social for the series. I am phenomenally proud to work along this powerhouse. #leadership
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Dan Morrow @moremorrow.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Amazing article from the ever brilliant @keziah70.bsky.social Not only is she one of the most fierce, ethical and generous leaders I know she also hasn’t aged a day in the ten+ years I’ve known her! (😘)
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headsroundtable.bsky.social @headsroundtable.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Good read from Roundtable member @andrewoneill.bsky.social on the importance of acting on issues before they get to crisis point and longstanding acceptance of failure that has been inherited. www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
tes.com
Why education keeps collapsing into crisis
From pupil absence to teacher retention issues, we tolerate widespread, low-level failure. The system must act before dysfunction becomes unignorable, says this headteacher
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Really interesting from @andrewoneill.bsky.social on addressing the issues in the system before we are at crisis point. www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
tes.com
Why education keeps collapsing into crisis
From pupil absence to teacher retention issues, we tolerate widespread, low-level failure. The system must act before dysfunction becomes unignorable, says this headteacher
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
An acknowledgment from @headsroundtable.bsky.social to @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social and Dept. for Education. headteachersroundtable.wordpress.com/2025/05/18/a...
headteachersroundtable.wordpress.com
An Open Thank You Letter to The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education
Dear Secretary of State For many years the esteem and value for those working in education has been slowly eroded. As a profession we have felt mistrusted, maligned and disregarded for a long time.…
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Jon Severs @jonsevers.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
"This is a vibrant, intellectually challenging, social, funny, rewarding, impactful profession, full of people who want to make things better." The @tesmagazine.bsky.social leader - inspired by @samgibbs.bsky.social @carolinebarlow.bsky.social and my mum email.tes.com/t/cr/AQiOjhA...
email.tes.com
Honesty matters when talking about teaching
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Made my Monday morning! Thanks @jonsevers.bsky.social, I am already familiar with the legend that is @samgibbs.bsky.social and am also loving your mum in this description!
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Personal post. Trevor Sorbie doing the @bluelightcard.bsky.social discount. Absolute #gamechanger. Thank you.
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Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
🎒 'We have solved this problem before, and that should give us hope' @timleunig.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk
How Labour can drive school absenteeism down (again)
Labour have solved school attendance before - and a new report shows how they can do it again
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Looking forward to talking about the highs, lows and opportunities of Headship along with @keziah70.bsky.social at the @ascl-uk.bsky.social New Headteachers Conference
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
This is not substantially different to the experience for A levels, results release and the role UCAS plays. There will still be a role for schools to celebrate and support if they curate it but much less hassle, admin and therefore cost - a good move. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
GCSE results day to change for thousands of students with new app
School leaders have welcomed the plans for digital exam grades, but said they would need "seamless" support.
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headsroundtable.bsky.social @headsroundtable.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Remembering the joy positive. Co-chair @carolinebarlow.bsky.social starts our series for @tesmagazine.bsky.social on finding the there is to be had in what is acknowledged as a tough but valuable role of school leadership.
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Caroline Barlow @carolinebarlow.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
There is an opportunity to support schools to maximise inclusion and maintain quality that supports students from all backgrounds and with different needs. We are suggesting just a few changes that can achieve a great deal.
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Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
👔 'The schools bill's inclusive impact on uniform practices could be limited by its conservatism and by other existing guidance' @carolinebarlow.bsky.social and @teamgbofficial.bsky.social hockey player, Tess Howard schoolsweek.co.uk/labours-bill...
schoolsweek.co.uk
How Labour can ensure its uniform policy promotes inclusion
The schools bill's provisions don't go far enough - and other guidance also needs updating
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headsroundtable.bsky.social @headsroundtable.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Co-chairs of HTRT @carolinebarlow.bsky.social and @keziah70.bsky.social will be speaking at this awesome @ascl-uk.bsky.social event. #ASCLNewHeads
ascl.org.uk
ASCL - ASCL Curriculum Conference 2025 ASCLPD
Explore strategies, and best practices in curriculum design and leadership at the ASCL Curriculum Conference. Gain insights from expert speakers and network with education leaders to enhance teaching ...
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WomenEd @womened.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Hey #WomenEd new headteachers, come along to this @ascl-uk.bsky.social event and hear @keziah70.bsky.social and @carolinebarlow.bsky.social speak 💜💜💜
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