Howard of Effingham School has received national recognition for the way it manages and supports staff, placing it in the top 10% of schools nationwide for line management.

The accolade follows results from the TEP (The Engagement Platform) survey, which gathered feedback from more than 7,000 teachers across the country on the quality of leadership support they receive.

James Baker, Principal of Howard of Effingham School, said: “Our results sit above both the national and Surrey averages. This does not happen by accident. Our staff work relentlessly to bring out the best in every young person, and these findings reflect the strong line management structures we have in place to support them. We are proud to be part of The Howard Partnership Trust, which provides additional strategic and practical support.”

Effective line management is a clear strategic priority at Howard of Effingham, but one that requires care and consistency. Drawing on their experience, the school highlights five key approaches that underpin strong line management:

• Regular, purposeful conversations through structured one-to-one meetings
• Balancing accountability with professional trust, giving staff autonomy alongside clear expectations
• A focus on development rather than judgement, using coaching-led feedback
• Visible and consistent leadership that builds trust across teams
• Alignment with wellbeing and workload, recognising that sustainable performance depends on staff feeling supported

The TEP Survey is an independent, annual research initiative that captures insights from educators and school leaders across the UK, providing a robust evidence base for improving practice and informing policy.

Howard of Effingham School is part of The Howard Partnership Trust, a family of schools committed to delivering life-changing education.
www.thehoward.org