Not-So-Jolly Holidays
How to Support Children Struggling During the Festive Season. For many children, the festive season isn’t full of joy and magic. The...
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mabrettell
Dec 24 min read
Speak Well, Lead Well: How Positive Communication Builds a Thriving School Culture
Creating connection, resilience, and inclusion—one conversation at a time. When I think back to my time as a head teacher, there is a...
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mabrettell
Nov 253 min read
Talk Less, Lead More: Effective Communication Strategies for School Leaders
Managing stress, balancing needs, and fostering healthy team dynamics during the busiest time of the year As the end of term approaches,...
19 views1 comment
mabrettell
Nov 183 min read
The Lost Art of Talking: Rebuilding Communication Skills in Young People
Practical ways to help students find their voices again—and why it matters more than ever In recent years, schools have faced a growing...
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mabrettell
Nov 114 min read
More Than Words: Why Communication Skills Matter in Schools
Incorporating school values into everyday conversations to build a supportive, inclusive school culture In the busy world of schools,...
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mabrettell
Nov 13 min read
An Open Letter to School Leaders Who Worry About Not Being ‘Inclusive Enough’
I've been rather quiet on my website over the last 31 days, due to a project I undertook for Black History Month called 'Beyond Martin,...
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mabrettell
Sep 235 min read
The Real Deal: How Self-Reflection in Leadership Coaching Elevates Performance and Wellbeing
I remember being in the dining room of a school I led when I was a headteacher. I was doing lunch duty, as I did every day. As the last...
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mabrettell
Sep 184 min read
The Real Deal: How Building Relationships Helps Students Drop the Act.
A piece about the power of connecting with those we teach, with sincerity, curiosity and joy! I’ll never forget my very first formal...
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mabrettell
Sep 125 min read
The Great Bean Bag Rebellion: A Journey from Compliance to Connection
The importance of  leaders embedding inclusion as a vital and integral element of their school's culture When I became headteacher in my...
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mabrettell
Sep 35 min read
Finding My Headway: Authentic Leadership from the Heart
Leading authentically: Reconnecting with my Sincerity, Curiosity and Joy When I first stepped into the role of headteacher, I was filled...
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mabrettell
Aug 135 min read
Courage is contagious. Be the leader who inspires with bravery
A piece about boldness in leadership as a catalyst for freeing your team's creativity. I just received a lovely testimonial from a...
98 views1 comment
mabrettell
Jul 175 min read
To err is human, to forgive; a Divine Comedy.
The universal journey from anger to repair, and how as schools we can support all who travel it's path . I flooded the kitchen ceiling on...
115 views0 comments
mabrettell
Jul 94 min read
A Rebel With an (Authentic Leadership) Cause
I got kicked out of a group on a social media platform today, and I couldn’t be happier with myself! As a leadership coach I know and...
107 views0 comments
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