By Viv Grant
As September arrives and the summer break fades into memory, I’m always struck by how quickly the autumn term seems to come around. The school gates swing open once more, and the familiar rhythm of the academic year begins anew.
But this time of year isn’t just about timetables, assemblies, or strategic plans—it’s also a time rich with possibility. Especially for those of you stepping into school leadership, whether for the first time or with years of experience behind you, this moment invites you to pause and reflect on the dreams and aspirations you’re carrying with you.
I often find inspiration in the words of writers and poets, and one phrase that has stayed with me comes from Nigerian author Ben Okri. Some of you may be familiar with his work, A Time for New Dreams. As we begin this new school year, I want to gently encourage you to embrace this idea: let this be a time for new dreams.
💭 Three Questions to Begin the Year
As we step forward into this term, I invite you to sit with three simple—but powerful—questions:
1. How big is your dream?
Dreams, especially those that sit at the heart of leadership, should stir something deep within us. They should excite, inspire, and perhaps even scare us a little—not because they’re unrealistic, but because they dare to challenge what is, and imagine what could be.
Big dreams are the fuel that keep us moving through the complexities of school life. They remind us that leadership isn’t just about data or outcomes; it’s about purpose, vision, and the belief in something greater than ourselves.
2. What excites you most within your dream?
Take a moment to reflect: which part of your dream brings you the most energy? What is it that lights you up, even in the face of challenges? In reconnecting with your ‘why’, you rediscover the joy and authenticity that sits at the core of sustainable leadership.
3. How might your dream serve the greater good?
We don’t lead in a vacuum. The world around us is changing—politically, socially, environmentally—and schools are microcosms of that world. What role might your school play in shaping a better future? How might your dream help your pupils become agents of change in their own lives and communities?
This is the true power of educational leadership: not only do we influence individual lives, but we also contribute to the kind of society we hope to build.
❤️ Dreams Rooted in the Heart
As I close, I want to leave you with another beautiful quote from Ben Okri:
“The heart is bigger than the earth. There are few things more noble in this life than serving humanity.”
For me, these words speak directly to the kind of leadership we strive to nurture at Integrity Coaching. Leadership that isn’t driven by ego, status, or position—but by the heart. By a deep, unwavering commitment to service. To making a profound difference in the lives of children, staff, and the wider community.
So as this new term unfolds, I hope you hold your dream close—and allow it to grow even bigger than you imagined.
Go well,
Viv
Director, Integrity Coaching
