Interview with Christopher Tribble, Headteacher at Honiton Primary School and Author

“My ambition is to deliver outcomes for children at the highest level possible.”
 
Whether you know him from his books full of wisdom and good karma, or from the teaching world, you will know that Christopher Tribble has spent his professional career largely engaged in school improvement. 

He takes much pride and recognition gained in moving faltering schools to better places. A child of the National College system, Christopher is well-versed in the research of education and the necessary systems and skills to secure outcomes for children.  
 
Away from the profession his other career as a successful international-selling author and speaker is centred around mental health and inspiring others. His noble endeavours are to be commended and come from a place rooted in kindness.
 
A proud husband and father, Christopher splits his time between family, the sea and the gym. Never a moment wasted. We are delighted to end this academic year with the following interview to end the term on a happy and uplifting note. 

1. What have been the most memorable wise words and sage sayings to date that someone has said to you?
I think that the most impactful wise words upon me where those contained in the speech given by Theodore Roosevelt: " The man in the arena."  
 
It is an absolute must read or listen for any leader or progressive person.  As for key sayings, I would say "Nobody upsets you but yourself", a saying around controlling what you can control and also, "You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." A nod to hard work and self-drive. 

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2. How do your roles as a Headteacher and author complement each other?
They complement beautifully. The author has to stop; to think and to ponder and a good leader needs to remember to do this also. Leaders often get swept into the metaphorical forest and cannot see the wood for the trees.

​Writing is equivalent of taking the time out to climb the mountain, then the way out of the forest becomes clear. Also, the simple act of writing can clarify muddied waters, act as a filtration of thoughts and feelings. It can leave you in the same place stronger or a new place equally revived.  ​

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3. Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere: from children and families to colleagues and nature. Human interaction drives the content of my books. I share my thoughts, but I really feed off the interactions I have with people, looking to write what they wish to learn or know more of. 
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4. What would you like to be the next steps on your journey as a school leader?
My ambition is to deliver outcomes for children at the highest level possible. The larger the room, the longer the titles and badges, the more impact there should be to mine.
 
I want our country on the very strongest footing for the coming century and the children and working age are the hope. My books guide the adults, and my daily work guides the children. I wish to "Go Global" and I will not stop pursuing the impact the future generations deserve.
 
The only limiting factor should be my own fears and I work hard to push them away for the greater good.

5. What are your three top hopes for schools over the next five years?
My top hopes for schools are:  

• Full renewal of OFSTED - deep and proper rebirth. 
• To trust teachers to teach and let children play and be children. 
• Proper, truthful funding of school. £50B at least: £20B spent on the accommodation and £30B for the personnel and provision. I always say that if we had fully funded schools, we would need an awful lot less police and prisons. 
• SEND reform - led by need and not by cost. The right children in the right schools.

We thank Christopher for his thoughtful and uplifting interview.