About
NICE TO MEET YOU
Meet Our Founder Joanna Gledhill
Before launching Head First, six years ago, I was the Headteacher of a large inner city, London Primary School. I was used to putting everyone and everything else first, and myself last. I loved so many aspects of the job and found it thoroughly rewarding in so many ways.Â
I transformed the school from Requires Improvement to Outstanding in just 2 years, got the âexceptional leaderâ badge from OFSTED (thank you OFSTED!) and maintained exceptionally high standards after this, year on year, despite the daily challenges and curve-balls of school life.Â
The children, staff and parents always came first and I didnât mind putting myself last. Then out of the blue came some unexpected newsâŚ
A close family member was diagnosed with cancer. Such difficult news caused me to press pause and re-examine my priorities.
During this time of self-reflection, along with the stark realisation that life really is too short, I had an epiphany that it was ânow or neverâ, if I wanted to pursue a long-held dream of becoming a leadership coach and start my own business. So, I trained to become an accredited transformational coach, and with a few deep breaths and a large dose of healthy trepidation, I took a leap of faith - and âHead-Firstâ was born.
The Mission: To put heads and educational leaders first. Helping them to thrive; not just survive.
I am passionate about sharing my expertise and 28 years of educational experience through coaching programmes and training that equips leaders with useful, tangible, practical tools to sharpen their leadership, better navigate strategic school improvement priorities and develop dynamic teams, whilst simultaneously providing safe spaces to be able to talk about their real challenges, issues and vulnerabilities, without fear of judgment. Internal school coaching has itâs place, but expert, external coaching, where there is 100% confidentiality, impartiality, psychological safety and unwavering support, is a completely different experience for leaders - and where the real magic happens.Â
I feel honoured to have worked with and supported hundreds of incredible leaders over the last few years, helping them to become the best versions of themselves. Now with a growing team, we are able to offer a great range of packages and hope that as you browse through these, you feel inspired to sign up.Â
We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully working with you in the near future.
ÂHead First Associates
Bob Benson
As Headteacher of an outstanding secondary school in the South East for 8 years, maintaining exceptionally high standards of education year-on-year, Bob often used effective coaching methods to help aspiring leaders in his own school and seeing the tangible impact on their development, wellbeing and career progression. His firm belief is that every leader, both current and aspiring should have a coach.
With almost 20 yearsâ experience in senior leadership positions in some of the highest performing schools in the South East and abroad, Bob is a certified AACT coach and an Associate with the Association for Coaching. He specialises in supporting and developing educational leaders at all levels, both personally and professionally and fully understands the requirements and pressures of leadership.
Bob currently also works as a School Improvement Partner and an ASCL Local Representative for South East England. Additionally, he chairs an In-Year Fair Access Panel in a disadvantaged coastal area and supports initial teacher trainees with the TES Institute. In his spare time Bob enjoys running, however his Couch to 5k took longer than anyone imagined!
EXCLUSIVELY BY HEAD FIRST
Coaching Programmes
R.I.S.E (Rapidly Improve Skills & Expertise)
Rise to the challenges of leadership better-equipped through Head First's R.I.S.E coaching programmes.
1:2:1 Leadership Coach-sulting
Support and growth for executive and senior leaders through a combined coaching and consulting approach.
1:2:1 Simply Coaching
Navigate your unique challenges and priorities, setting your own agenda, in a 100% confidential, safe space.
3 Heads Are Better Than 1
Continue your professional development with the support of a fantastic group of UK-wide peers, in the same role.
Middle Leader Quads
Develop and grow as a leader, along with the support of other middle leaders, who share similar challenges.Â
Interview Coaching
Smash that interview and get your dream job, through Head First's Interview skills coaching package.
Empower Hour Coaching
Need some urgent, confidential support or advice? Confidential support guarenteed within 24 hours.