No Silver Bullets Podcast

Series 1: The Nine Steps to Executive HeadshipEpisode 1 — Step 1: Building a Vision (with Anthony Benedict)In this episode, Paul Ainsworth speaks with Anthony Benedict, CEO of Ambition Community Trust and former Executive Headteacher of Tameside PRU. Anthony is also the author of Educating Everyone and a leading voice on relational inclusion.Together, they explore Step 1: Building a Vision — how Executive Heads create a clear, values‑driven vision across multiple schools, and what it takes to make that vision lived rather than laminated.Anthony shares his personal “why,” shaped by years working with disadvantaged pupils and a desire to change the system from within. He reflects on stepping into Executive Headship during Covid, leading two PRU centres while also working to reduce permanent exclusions across the local authority, and realising how much he still had to learn.The conversation covers practical strategies including developing a 100‑day plan, investing in meaningful CPD, and building a culture rooted in relational inclusion. Anthony explains how he co‑constructed policies with staff, introduced daily regulation routines, and created Relational Inclusion Champions to support pupils at risk of exclusion.This episode offers a powerful look at how clarity, humanity and moral purpose can shape leadership across complex settings.Key ThemesFinding your personal “why”Leading across multiple sitesThe role of a 100‑day planTrauma‑informed and relational practiceMoving from behaviour policies to relational policiesCo‑constructing culture with staffDaily regulation routinesRelational Inclusion ChampionsCreating a trust‑wide vision that is lived, not laminatedAbout the GuestAnthony Benedict is CEO of Ambition Community Trust, serving PRU and SEMH schools across Greater Manchester. A former mainstream English teacher, head of department, deputy head and headteacher, he moved into Executive Headship to make a deeper impact on vulnerable young people. He is the author of Educating Everyone and writes a widely read Substack on relational inclusion.Timestamps00:00 — Introduction01:20 — Anthony’s “why”03:30 — Leading more than one school06:00 — CPD that shapes leadership08:20 — Becoming Executive Head of Tameside PRU10:30 — Balancing two centres and LA‑wide work12:00 — The 100‑day plan14:00 — Building a trust‑wide vision16:00 — Guiding principles and relational inclusion20:00 — Bringing the vision to life23:00 — Co‑constructing culture25:00 — Daily regulation routines27:30 — Relational Inclusion Champions30:00 — Staying grounded as a leaderLinksEducating Everyone by Anthony Benedict - Educating Everyone: An Introduction to Relational Inclusion in SchoolsAnthony’s Substack on relational inclusion - Anthony Benedict | SubstackTrauma Informed Schools UK - Trauma Informed Schools UK

The No Silver Bullets podcast introduces the Nine Steps to Executive Headship, providing a structured approach to understanding and practicing executive headship. The conversation begins with an introduction to executive headship and then delves into the role of an executive head, highlighting the skills, challenges, and goals associated with the position.TakeawaysNine Steps to Executive HeadshipStructured approach to executive headshipChapters00:00 Introduction to Executive Headship