1st Edition

Codified Leadership: Behaviours and Habits that Make a Difference in Schools

By Caroline Sherwood, Andrew Finney Copyright 2025
146 Pages 18 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

146 Pages 18 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

146 Pages 18 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

Codified Leadership draws from research and evidence-based practices to provide every school leader – regardless of their experience – with authentic opportunities to improve and transform them into the very best leader. It breaks down complex leadership behaviours into manageable steps that can be used for both self and peer instructional coaching. Exploring the real and significant... Read more

Introduction

Section 1 Floodlight leadership behaviours

1. Trust
2. Vulnerability
3. Vision
4. Clarity
5. Accountability
6. Adaptability
7. Legacy

Section 2 Torchlight behaviours

8. Finding Your Voice
9. Managing Your Team
10. Developing Your Team
11. Managing Change
12. Leading Quality Assurance
13. Making Decisions
14. Wellbeing
Conclusion

Appendices

Our Probletunity Group
Sightline presentation

Biography

Caroline Sherwood is a Deputy Head Teacher in Devon, UK.

Andrew Finney is a Director of School Improvement, working across both primary and secondary levels in a large Multi-Academy Trust in the UK.

'In recent years there has been much debate about whether school leadership should focus on domain specific solutions to leadership conundrums or on the more generic leadership traits and skills needed for leaders to be successful. This book beautifully encompasses both, with its nuanced, evidence informed and highly practical approach. I particularly enjoyed the leadership characters whose journeys we follow throughout the book, which keep it grounded and pragmatic.

Highly recommended for leaders beginning their leadership journey or those who are just looking for an inspiring leadership top-up!'

Andy Buck, Founder Leadership Matters and Creator of the BASIC Coaching Method.

'Codified Leadership is an invaluable resource for any leader navigating the complexities of school teams. In a field where leaders are often thrust into new situations without a roadmap, this book offers practical wisdom and actionable strategies. Drawing on a wealth of research and experience, Codified Leadership skillfully unpacks the nuances of vulnerability, conflict resolution, and creating a culture of trust. The emphasis on the importance of establishing predictable routines, even in the face of the unexpected, resonates deeply with the realities of school leadership.

Whether you are a seasoned headteacher or stepping into a leadership role for the first time, Codified Leadership provides the insights and tools to foster collaboration, navigate challenges, and ultimately, empower your team to achieve their best. This book is a must-read for anyone aspiring to lead with authenticity and create a thriving school environment.'

Ben Parnell, CEO of Athena Learning Trust.

'Codified Leadership is an enormously valuable book... full of examples from work in schools and grounded in research, this book is an important addition to the literature on school leadership.'

Mary Myatt, Education writer and speaker

'Codified Leadership provides field-tested guidance and tools to help leaders accelerate progress in their schools. A timely guide for navigating complex change in a human-centred way.'

Dr Simon Breakspear, Author Teaching Sprints, Adjunct Senior Lecturer UNSW (The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)