Scenario 1.3: Positive culture is in place, but needs deepening and sustaining
The school has made progress with routines, standards, and relationships. Staff and students understand the expectations, and the tone is calm. The challenge is to avoid complacency and build on this foundation to deepen pride, belonging, and ambition.
Leadership Behaviours to Support This Challenge
| Code | Behaviour | Why It Matters |
| C5 | Celebrate Successes | Sustains momentum by recognising what’s going well and reinforcing shared values. |
| C6 | Seek Inspiration | Prevents stagnation, learning from others keeps improvement energised. |
| C8 | Create Moments | Builds identity and belonging through shared experiences and symbolic acts. |
| L2 | Be Positive | Helps leaders focus on growth and energise the team to reach the next level. |
| S12 | Lead for Lasting Excellence | Sustained culture requires intentional effort, not autopilot. |
Suggested Approach
- Use a leadership meeting to reflect on cultural gains; what’s embedded, what needs refreshing.
- Gather staff and student voice to understand how they experience the culture.
- Look outward to find fresh ideas or practices to inspire the next stage of development.
- Plan termly “cultural moments” that reinforce values and create shared pride.
- Make celebration and appreciation part of everyday leadership.