New headteacher's letter to parents/carers

Use our template to write to parents/carers as a new headteacher, and read advice on what your letter could cover.

Last reviewed on 13 March 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 3381
Contents
  1. Send a letter to parents/carers before you begin your new role
  2. Download and adapt our template letter
  3. Find other ways to reach parents/carers

Send a letter to parents/carers before you begin your new role

Parents/carers will want to understand your personal style, approach and experience, and what you'll do for the pupils and the school. 

If the school is successful, parents/carers will want to know how you're going to keep it that way. If the school has been struggling, parents/carers will want to feel confident that things will be changing for the better.

The first letter parents/carers receive from you should aim to:

  • Reassure them that the school is in capable hands
  • Set the tone for the relationship between the school and parents/carers
  • Demonstrate that you'll be able to find the right balance between being approachable and in control 

Find more resources to tackle your new role and responsibilities