Why Some Headmasters Consider Blogging

Walk into almost any classical school and you’ll find a headmaster juggling dozens of responsibilities—overseeing academics, supporting teachers, connecting with families, and meeting with donors. In the middle of that whirlwind, some leaders wonder if they should also be writing a blog. The idea is appealing: a direct voice from the school’s leader that can inspire, clarify, and connect. But is it worth the effort?

The Potential Benefits of a Headmaster’s Blog

A blog written by the head of school can do what few other communications accomplish: it humanizes leadership. Instead of being the person who only gives formal speeches at assemblies or meets with parents in tense situations, the headmaster becomes approachable.

– Showcasing vision in plain words: A short post about why the school values daily recitation of poetry gives parents a glimpse into the heart behind the practice.
– Building trust with families: When parents see consistent, thoughtful writing, it reassures them that the person leading the school is steady and reflective.
– Supporting admissions and fundraising: Prospective families and donors often visit the blog first. A headmaster’s words about student growth, school culture, or milestones can tip the balance in your favor.

One example: if a headmaster writes a post in December about how the school marks Advent with song, service projects, and candlelight chapels, a prospective parent can instantly picture their child taking part. That concrete picture makes the school feel alive.

The Pitfalls to Watch Out For

While the upsides are real, there are also clear challenges.

– Time drain: A headmaster’s calendar is already packed. Committing to weekly or even monthly posts can easily fall by the wayside. A blog that suddenly stops for six months sends a worse message than not starting at all.
– Tone mismatch: A blog written in overly academic or abstract language can alienate families who just want to understand what the school values. Parents aren’t looking for essays filled with insider terms—they want stories they can relate to.
– Unclear purpose: If the blog simply repeats what’s already in newsletters, families may ignore it. Without a clear role, it risks becoming clutter.

This is why planning matters. For many leaders, it helps to pair the headmaster’s voice with a larger content strategy. Our article on school blog strategy explains how to create a plan that avoids burnout and ensures every post fits into the bigger picture.

How to Write Posts That Actually Work

If a headmaster chooses to blog, the posts need to feel real, not corporate. Families should be able to picture the scene. For example:

– Instead of saying “Our students are developing virtue through consistent practice,” describe second graders proudly reading aloud from Charlotte’s Web for the first time.
– Instead of announcing “We prioritize service,” tell a story about students raking leaves for elderly neighbors on a crisp Saturday morning.

These everyday moments make the school’s values tangible. Parents can see their own children in those stories, which is exactly the point.

Frequency and Length: Less Is More

One of the most common mistakes is overcommitting. A headmaster does not need to publish long essays every week. Two or three posts per semester can be enough, especially if they align with the school calendar. For example:

– A fall post about the excitement of new beginnings and building habits.
– A winter post about perseverance and joy during the darker months.
– A spring post celebrating student projects, plays, or recitals.

This kind of rhythm helps readers look forward to the next piece without exhausting the writer.

Examples of Headmaster Blog Topics

Here are several concrete ideas that tend to resonate:

– Traditions explained: Why does the school gather for morning prayers, sing hymns, or hold recitation days?
– Parent encouragement: Tips on how to read aloud as a family, or how to support students when homework feels tough.
– Behind the scenes: Share what it looks like to prepare for a Christmas concert or a field day.
– Reflections on the seasons: Advent, Lent, or spring renewal provide natural opportunities for posts.

When paired with visuals—photos of students learning, serving, or performing—these topics create a living record of the school’s culture.

Who Is the Audience?

It’s important to remember who will read the blog. Parents already at the school want reassurance that they made the right choice. Prospective families want to feel the culture before setting foot on campus. Donors want confidence that the school’s leadership is thoughtful and visionary. Writing with these readers in mind ensures the blog doesn’t drift into insider talk that leaves outsiders behind.

Making the Blog Sustainable

One of the smartest moves is to set boundaries from the start. A headmaster might commit to three posts per semester, each tied to a major school theme. Faculty members, students, or alumni can occasionally contribute guest posts to lighten the load. In this way, the blog remains vibrant without resting entirely on the headmaster’s shoulders.

Another smart step is linking the blog with other school communications. A headmaster’s reflection on community can complement, not duplicate, a teacher’s newsletter about classroom life. If families see alignment between these messages, their confidence in the school deepens.

Should Every Headmaster Blog?

Not necessarily. Some leaders are natural writers who can express themselves warmly and clearly. For them, a blog can be a powerful tool. For others, speaking in assemblies or sharing video updates may be a better fit. What matters most is consistency and clarity. A forced, irregular blog helps no one.

If writing does fit, it’s worth considering how the blog can tie back to larger themes. For example, a post on student character can connect to your academic philosophy page, showing families the link between classroom practice and school vision.

A Balanced Approach

A headmaster’s blog doesn’t need to be the centerpiece of communication, but it can be a valuable supporting piece. The key is setting realistic expectations, keeping the tone relatable, and focusing on stories families can visualize. Done well, it adds warmth to the school’s image, provides clarity on vision, and creates a record of leadership that resonates with both parents and donors.

Your Next Step

If your head of school is considering a blog, start by sketching out three or four seasonal topics. Then decide whether writing truly fits the leader’s voice—or whether another medium, like short video reflections, might serve better. A blog should never feel like a burden. It should feel like a natural extension of the conversations the headmaster is already having with families in hallways, at events, and in personal meetings.

With care and balance, a headmaster’s blog can become a lasting tool that deepens trust, strengthens communication, and captures the unique spirit of your school.