Ruby Judge

Maths SLE, MA.BEd, NPQSL, Experienced Maths teacher KS2/ KS3/KS4. All views from my own experiences.

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

Absolutely brilliant for any middle leader especially new or established ones too!

It will help many!

[Laura Webb @LauraLolder]

The first of my blogs filling in bits from my book.

Middle Leadership Chronicles: 10 things to stop doing as a Head of Department.

Please share! More to come - one each Sunday.

https://t.co/JUEN36wA53

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@vicgoddard A proud dad

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@narindertweets 😭

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@japleen_kaur1 Now that's true professional!

Congratulations and a great achievement 👏

[Adam Boxer @adamboxer1]

Today was a sad day at @totteridgeacad as we said goodbye to our Principal, Chris Fairbairn.

Chris has been a presence in my life since I joined seven years ago, and it's difficult to overstate what an inspiration he has been to me personally and professionally. Chris is the antidote to a lot of the things that worry me about education. Where others talk a good game and have no track record to back it up, Chris has close to no online or public presence. He doesn't do keynotes, panels, blogs, podcasts, interviews or anything. You've probably never heard of him, but you should have. Why:

Ten years ago, Chris and his team took over The Totteridge Academy. At the time, it had the worst outcomes in the borough. It was half empty because nobody wanted to be there. Its sixth form had closed. The building was crumbling and uninspiring. It was about as close to rock-bottom as a school can get.

Now, ten years on, it's completely transformed. The school is full and there are hundreds of children on the waiting list. Behaviour is excellent. Results place us in the top 20 in the country. The sixth form has reopened, and staff are happy. Ofsted awarded us - a turnaround! - five exceptionals and two strong standards. We host hundreds of visitors a year who come to learn from the school. It is a joyous place to work.

There are many things I could say about Chris's leadership, but to pick just one: a few years ago as our roll increased, the % of students on free school meals decreased accordingly. Chris didn't want that, and wrote new admissions policies that prioritise the most disadvantaged students. This move, almost guaranteed to reduce headline metrics, showed that it's possible to do turnarounds inclusively and with a deep sense of humanity and justice.

I visit a LOT of schools. I'm lucky in that. I see a lot of places and talk to a lot of people, and I can say with confidence: Chris and his team have built the best school in the country. It's been an honour and a privilege to work for him.

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@adamboxer1 @Mr_H1978 @totteridgeacad Inspiring and rewarding!
A credible leader👏

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

Absolutely powerful read!
Once again what an insightful read.

https://t.co/Trys8aZk1A

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@mockettteach @Mouhssin_Ismail Absolutely

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

Baby shower gift wish list

Suddenly you see this book on the list!

You order it
You read it
Goes in hamper
Unknown superheroes to me!

What a thoughtful gift not just for
babies!

Great thoughtful peeps parents to be!

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@MrLGeo Totally agree
I feel sorry for pupils.

[Natasha Porter OBE @NPorter_]

Only 9% of people in prison have 5+ GCSEs and only 2% have passed 2+ A levels. About 2/3 of adults in prison are functionally illiterate.

Academic attainment is one of the most powerful protective factors.

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

Gorgeous day when you want to walk everywhere 🌞

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@StuartLock @greeborunner @adamboxer1 100%

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@HelpATeacher So true

[Fixing Education @FixingEducation]

As a teacher, this is what I want to say to SOME parents:

Stop making excuses for your kids. STOP IT. Teach them to earn things, not demand things. Hold them to a higher standard. Challenge them. That way, when I try to challenge them, they’ll know we both expect it.

[Claire Stoneman @stoneman_claire]

When I started teaching in 2000, heads were in the role for a long time. They really knew their communities. It feels like people move on so swiftly these days. Maybe I’m just old and misremembering. The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

I think the weather loves half term!
😬😌😏✊☔⛈️

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@NewbieSlt 🤣

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

Another wonderful read!

"Boundaries don’t weaken with time. They weaken when leaders do."

"Inclusion cannot mean tolerating behaviour that harms the education, safety, or dignity of others.Being humane does not mean lowering expectations it means holding boundaries honestly.."

[Ruby Judge @RubyJudge]

@Bobby_Seagull Oh yes definitely
You do not know what you are missing!