Denham

The start of a day with Ruth Swailes and colleagues, exploring all things Early Years and people (my term - nothing official). “You are a product of where you were born in time.” How well do we provide for our young people and their needs, preparing them for a successful life?

A busy day - where good people surface and connections give energy. Wasn’t feeling the run today, but got out and forced a gentle 4km. No matter the barriers, get out and look up - the sky of stars is a reminder to put all into perspective. Get out there and run. @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

Everton and back. Gutted to lose but a game we were unfortunate to lose. The better team lost but to win, you need to score and that’s where we struggle. The man with the whistle though… very poor game. Barry should have put the ball in the net and let VAR review it.

Flag waving duties

Back at the home of the mighty @evertonfc.com Hoping for 3 pts and a rocking Hill Dickinson Stadium. #UpTheToffees

They say thing come in threes, so thought I may as well go for a run to make it three activities in a day. Legs feel good today but tomorrow… we will see. What makes you feel good, fit and healthy? Go do it. Get out there and run. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

Refereeing in the morning then assistant referee in the afternoon. Good 5km back and forwards waving a flag. Grassroots football a worthy cause and when the sun is shining, all the better. Get out there and enjoy the fresh air.

Morning spent refereeing an U12 cup match. Two teams that played fair and 100% respect for all. Always a pleasure and how the beautiful game should be played. Lots of good touches, passes and moves.

Saturday run after the rain stopped - puddles to jump and red horizons to enjoy. Despite the benefits of a run, there is all the beauty of nature too. Get out there and run. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

Evening 5km run and it felt fairly good. Consistency is key and then stuff improves. Whether at work or on a break, lace those trainers - Get out there and run. Busy day, decent run, ironing done and now chilling with a glass of red. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

Afternoon run in what seemed cold to begin but fine once started. Another 6km in the bag and physically feeling better for it. Getting started is the hardest part but get past that and get out there and run. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

On the long walk. Space shuttle departing soon. To infinity and beyond 🚀 Only joking, just the NEC in Birmingham. A day of wandering and real from work.

Felt a little tired and lacking a bit of drive on this evening’s run. It’s cold out there too - felt like I had icicles on my nose. Maybe a rest tomorrow and then back to it. Otherwise, get out there and run. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

A gentle run this evening, dropping the pace a little. 5km in the dark, cloudy sky and the odd puddle to navigate. Whatever the weather, always good to get out there and run. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

Never planned to be a full day in school but it was, and a few big jobs achieved. Started on a cupboard but more to do.

First birthday not here. Thinking of you Dad on what would have been your 77th. Up the Toffees.

Round at the in-laws to be about and support. Glass of red on the go before the food arrives - judge me not! Well done Great Britain by the way; gold in the fastest tray down the icy slope event #Skeleton

Brilliant. Well done on getting out there.

Morning run in refreshing light drizzle that turned heavier rain. You can be deterred by the 1 ° temperature and puddles, but then you’d miss out on the great feeling afterwards. Get out there and run. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

Life throws curveballs - loved ones fall ill or get a bit confused so plans change. Dwelling in negativity changes nothing. Every moment matters. Embrace what’s here, love fiercely, let go of the rest.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ enjoy life and no regrets. Always smiling, it’s the others.

Just finished refereeing another veterans match, this one in the cup. Attitudes of both teams brilliant once again and made doing the match a pleasure. Almost 8km moving about to keep up with play and add to my own exercise targets. Enjoy the day whatever you do.

Always #BeKind—to others, and crucially, to ourselves too.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
5/5

Pepe’s shared wisdom resonates deeply: 10% of what happens is shaped by the 90% of how we react. In this profession, our responses matter immensely—to students, staff, and ourselves. So as half-term unfolds, let’s catch up where needed, but also truly rest.
4/5

The pressures are real, the decisions weighty, the days long. But what sustains us? Being part of organisations like @ASCL-uk.bsky.social, where genuine discussion, debate, and collaboration remind us we’re not alone. These connections inspire and ground us.
3/5

Yet reality whispers that the to-do list hasn’t shrunk; those tasks we’ve been juggling are still waiting, despite our best systems and structures.
Running a school means navigating constant challenges that simply never disappear.
2/5

Half-term has arrived—a welcome pause in the relentless rhythm of school leadership. It’s that precious opportunity to breathe, reenergise, and reconnect with why we do this demanding work.
1/5

A morning run with Richard. Just headed out and figured out a route as we went refreshing gentle 8 km before more quality time with @ascl-uk.bsky.social colleagues, connecting and collaborating. Get out there and run. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers

It must be mental. Morning run.

A couple of days at ASCL Council, enabling a morning run. Looking forward to time with brilliant people, collaborating to give the best for our children and young people. @ascl-uk.bsky.social. If you’ve not booked onto the ASCl Conference, take a look.

A good run (felt strong anyway) after a busy day. Some good learning, discussions and meetings today. Running is great regardless so… look after@yourself and do what you love. Get out there and run. #running @weareerc.bsky.social #ItsTheOthers