The Restless School

What is the cocktail of successful schools and their leaders? They are restless. There is a paradox at their core: they are very secure in their systems, values and successes, yet simultaneously seeking to change and improve. These schools look inwards to secure wise development; they look outwards to seize innovation which they can hew to their own ends and, importantly, make a difference to the children and students they serve. This book is written with the certainty that whatever the quality of an education system and its schools at a given point in time, we shall strive to improve them, in the knowledge that perfection lies just around the corner. That is the human condition. That is the international imperative. That is the restless school.
Review:
In this thought provoking book Roy Blatchford draws on 40 years of wide ranging experience within the UK and international education systems in order to capture the essence of successful schools. Brian Lightman, General Secretary, Association of School and College Leaders Blatchford sets teachers, schools and their leaders a standard that's terrifying in prospect, yet assuredly attainable if we can just maintain our courage, commitment and determination - our professionalism, indeed, as he stresses. Inspired by this remarkable small handbook of school excellence, I don't see how we can avoid accepting and confronting the challenge. It would be rude not to! Bernard Trafford, Headmaster, Royal Grammar School, Newcastle I wish I had read The Restless School in the early days of my teaching - indeed at any stage of my teaching. In a short and pacy book I found distilled everything that matters, all expressed in a generous, open and wise way. And it puts a spring in your step. Jonathan Smith, author of The Learning Game