Case Study: From Deputy Headteacher to Part-Time College Lecturer

Case Study: From Deputy Headteacher to Part-Time College Lecturer

Introduction

This client came to me as an experienced deputy headteacher who had spent many years working within primary education. While she had built a successful career, she had reached a stage in her life where her priorities were shifting. The increasing demands, constant changes, and pressures within the education system were no longer aligned with how she wanted to live and work.

Rather than progressing further within leadership, she wanted to step back and create a role that offered more balance, flexibility, and space in her day-to-day life.

Assessment

Unlike some clients, this wasn’t about a lack of capability or even a complete loss of direction. She had a clear sense that she wanted something different, but needed reassurance that she was making the right decisions and moving in the right direction.

There were elements of uncertainty around how to position herself for roles outside of primary education, as well as a natural dip in confidence that often comes with stepping away from a long-established career path. More than anything, she needed structured support, accountability, and a space to talk through her options without pressure.

Execution

We worked together to clarify her direction and ensure her next steps aligned with her lifestyle goals rather than external expectations. This included refining her CV and applications to reflect her experience in a way that would resonate with roles in further education.

Alongside the practical work, a key part of the process was the ongoing conversations we had. These focused on building confidence, reinforcing her decision-making, and helping her trust her own judgement. The accountability of regular check-ins ensured she stayed on track and continued to take consistent action without feeling overwhelmed.

Outcome

She successfully secured a part-time role as a college lecturer within a local further education setting. The position allowed her to continue using her skills and experience in education, while significantly reducing the level of pressure and responsibility she had previously been managing.

The move provided her with a much better work-life balance and gave her the flexibility she had been seeking.

Update

Since transitioning into her new role, she has found that she has more space and energy both professionally and personally. She has settled well into the college environment and feels more in control of her time and commitments.

The change has allowed her to move into a new phase of her career with confidence, knowing that her work now supports the lifestyle she wants rather than working against it.