There is no doubt that responsibility for staffing is a major part of the headaches of headship - recruitment and retention, timetabling, budgeting and managing HR processes. At times, these aspects of the job can make it feel thankless.

This is likely one reason why recent labour market research found that only 42 per cent of deputy and assistant headteachers say that they aspire to be a headteacher, and just 20 per cent of middle leaders.

However, the privilege of appointing and developing staff is arguably one of the most joyful aspects of being a headteacher, too, and alongside other positives mentioned by colleagues recently, should not be overlooked or taken for granted.

Sphere of influence

Most people join the education sector to “make a difference”. This is usually said with regard to the young people we teach, and understandably so.

But the influence and impact you can have on your staff throughout your career is huge, too. After all, the single most important factor that impacts pupils’ education is the quality of teaching.

So, as a leader, creating an environment that provides a caring, collaborative and empowering culture where staff can thrive is hugely important.

Curating the culture

The nature of teaching makes the working conditions intense and fast-paced, but it also fosters a sense of shared purpose and peer support.

The school community acts as an extended family for staff; some of the strongest friendships are built in the staffroom, school offices or adjoining classrooms.

As a headteacher, you can shape the conditions that help to foster a climate of collegiality. Cultivating healthy, strong professional relationships, with radical candour at their heart, is essential for fostering a healthy organisational culture.

What’s more, decisions you make on a regular basis, such as the calendar, assessment and even minor judgement calls, have the potential to impact staff workload, wellbeing and morale.

Building a team

Strong teams make successful schools. The ability to grow a team of staff is a definite perk of the job. Recruiting, training and supporting teachers and members of the wider staff body is not only fundamental to ensuring and sustaining the quality of education but is also very gratifying.

Now in my tenth year of headship, I’ve experienced the honour of appointing a significant proportion of our staff.

Many staff have “grown up” at the school, having joined at the start of their career and experienced significant life events during their decades of tenure.

Some are ex-students who have returned to the school in a professional capacity. There are many other staff that have left a great mark on the school despite no longer working with us.

Developing potential

I love the agency I have for growing staff and enabling them to flourish. As the head, I am ultimately responsible for the professional learning and wellbeing of the staff team; I take this duty seriously.

My job is to multiply leadership capacity through recognising and developing the potential in others.

Providing coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities for staff is a personal highlight.

The joy of seeing an early career teacher honing their craft, watching a colleague develop expertise or supporting a capable colleague to gain promotion cannot be underestimated.

Supporting colleagues

Helping colleagues to navigate personal and professional hurdles and celebrating their achievements with them is just as fulfilling as supporting students. It can be an emotional rollercoaster.

There are some days when you can bounce between tears of happiness and sadness from colleagues who request a minute of your time. It’s humbling to be entrusted with aspects of people’s personal lives and be able to provide empathy at crucial moments.

As a head, there are times when you are required to communicate difficult messages or feedback. However, the ability to support colleagues to thrive in their work also provides many highlights.

Offering someone a new role, approving a professional development opportunity or congratulating someone on a job well done offers a great sense of pride and professional gratification.

More than anything, there is nothing more exciting than working with knowledgeable, creative and inspirational colleagues. It provides genuine fulfilment and helps you to continue to grow as a leader.

Helena Marsh, principal of Linton Village College, is co-founder of WomenEd and a member of the Headteachers’ Roundtable