Beyond Belief

This timely and powerful book is brought to you by the team behind Headrest, a free 24/7 wellbeing service for headteachers. It is clear that our current inhumane system of school accountability - inspection in particular - is no longer fit for purpose. Urgent change is needed.

We hope this book serves as the catalyst for rebooting the system as we seek to explore alternative approaches to rigorous school accountability. Consisting of a diverse range of authentic voices - from headteachers to journalists, governors to teachers, and authors to researchers - Beyond Belief brings a refreshing dimension to the accountability debate. This book aims to provoke, challenge and reaffirm your beliefs in equal measure.

Packed with thoughtful insights, honest reflections and a unique range of perspectives on accountability, these lived experiences provide a compelling case for change. Collectively, as a profession, we must seek to establish a robust, purposeful and humane system of how we hold our schools and each other to account. Once again, we must start to speak up for ourselves.

This book aims to do just that.