The barriers that deputy head teachers in secondary schools face on their journey to headship

There has been a significant increase in interest in the recruitment crisis in the United Kingdom. Many schools have had to re-advertise jobs for head teachers. Therefore why are headship roles proving to be so difficult to fill? What are the possible barriers that deputy head teachers face on their journey to headship? This article explores the reasons why some deputies do not want to progress to headship. Barriers such as work life balance, being accountable and having low self-confidence interrupt the journeys of those deputies not seeking headship and those who are unsure. Whilst being subject to further research and development, the findings that this article discusses can be used to further understand the trajectory of deputy heads and has potential implications for the management of talent within organisations. This has important implications when developing potential leaders.