Journey To Outstanding

Simply excellent! I really cannot rate this book highly enough and I recommend it to any serving or aspiring headteacher without reservation. It really is money well spent! Clearly written, succinct and full of practical advice based on sound evidence, this is a useful guide that works as a complete training manual or as a handbook to dip into whenever you need a reminder about what you need to do to achieve excellence.Much of Sonia's evidence comes from psychology and her own experience as a teacher and a leader within a business environment and this is the strength of the book; its practical relevance to the heart of what school leaders do based on personal experience and the sensible application of psychology.Essentially, the book is 'all good' and can be read quite quickly to learn the main points before deeper, more reflective reading to take it all in. I found Section 2 particularly helpful.I can honestly say that this is a book that will be close to my desk and will be good to refer to at regular intervals as I continue to work towards achieving my next outstanding judgement in a new setting.£10 well-spent is an understatement. Thank you Sonia Gill - you have a new fan! Keep up the great work!

Full of useful content and helpful tips, whether you're a teacher or not. It;s an easy read with clear tips and steps to build a successful organisation. I also like the no-nonsense approach to focus on being outstanding rather than just good - you know exactly where you stand and know that this book is driven towards making you the best.

As a Headteacher about to embark on my second headship I needed some fresh ideas on vision . I really want to build a unique and new direction in my school. I have attended training with Heads Up on a number of occasions so decided I would read Sonia's book . I read it in 24 hours . The messages within are incredibly powerful but so simple to understand .I dearly wished I had read it 3 years ago . It has really helped me see how to create a vision that is so exciting that everyone in the school will leap out of bed and run to school every morning( hopefully) . I would highly recommend it to all leaders .

An excellent addition to the Education leadership stable. Sonia breaks leadership down into three very apposite core areas; vision, the 'difficult conversations' and growing great people. It's not really about 'outstanding', but that Ofsted language is unfortunately inescapable. It's more about excellence and how you can become a great leader, by learning the leadership skills which are often brushed over/ignored/expected that you'll somehow learn by osmosis on the way up on the way to headship. To focus on these three core areas, in creating a great school, would do no HT any harm!!

The powerful ideas in this book are explained in such an easy, conversational style that you quickly get to grips with them. Sonia gives terrific insights into schools and outstanding leaders. It is an inspiring and engaging book. Highly recommended!

Thoroughly enjoyed this insightful book. It's offers a totally new approach to senior leadership decision making. Fantastic.

Clear, concise and straightforward, Sonia Gill's 'Journey to Outstanding' provides manageable strategies to quickly move your school forward.