by Sayd Shah
I never expected to become Acting Principal, at least not at this point in my career. For years, I had been working as Vice Principal, focused on curriculum, leadership, and student progress. I was comfortable in that role, proud of what we were building as a team. Then, without warning, I was asked to step up as Acting Principal.
There was no transition period, no time to prepare. One day I was supporting from the side, and the next I was leading the school. It felt very much like being dropped in the deep end.
Drawing on Experience
At first, the role was daunting. The responsibility was greater, the decisions carried more weight, and the expectations were higher. But I quickly realised that I was not starting from zero. I had been preparing for this without even realising it.
The experiences I have had in my life, both inside and outside of education, have shaped the way I respond to challenges. My years as Vice Principal and in leadership in general gave me a clear understanding of the inner workings of a school, the importance of staff morale, and the need to put students first. All of those lessons are now guiding me as I lead with clarity and conviction.
I have always believed that things happen for a reason. Looking back, I can see how the experiences I once thought were difficult or even frustrating have actually been preparing me for this moment. Being placed in this position, even if unexpectedly, feels like the natural next step of everything I have learned so far.
Learning From My Vice Principal Role
When I think about my time as Vice Principal, certain moments stand out. I remember leading the school through a demanding inspection process. At the time, the pressure was immense. Every detail mattered, and the stakes felt high. What I learned, though, was the importance of calm leadership. Staff look to you for reassurance, and students take their cues from your composure. Now, as Acting Principal, I carry that same sense of calm into the bigger challenges I face.
Another moment that shaped me was managing a sensitive safeguarding case. It required difficult conversations with parents and staff, and decisions that would impact a student’s life. It reminded me that leadership is not just about systems and outcomes; it is about people, relationships, and doing the right thing even when it is hard. Today, when I make decisions as Principal, I carry those lessons with me.
Even the more routine experiences, such as building timetables, overseeing examinations, or leading staff development, have prepared me in ways I did not appreciate at the time. Each responsibility taught me to balance competing priorities, to think strategically, and to make decisions that align with both values and outcomes. All of those experiences, large and small, have led me to this moment.
Leading With Confidence
Most days, I am still learning on the spot. I do not always get it right, but I act with confidence in what I know and openness about what I am still figuring out. Ethical leadership is my compass. To me, that means acting with fairness, honesty, and transparency. It means listening carefully, treating people with respect, being willing to explain the reasoning behind my decisions, as well as having an open ear to new ideas.
One of my early challenges as Acting Principal was making a timetable adjustment that affected both staff workload and student learning. It was not an easy choice. In the past, I might have questioned myself endlessly. But in this role, I trusted the experience I had built over the years, spoke openly with colleagues, and made the decision with conviction. It reinforced for me how important it is to lead with clarity, even when the path is not straightforward.
What I Am Proud Of
There are areas where I feel I am building momentum. I have kept students’ learning and wellbeing at the centre of decisions. I have been transparent with staff and parents, even when the conversations were difficult. I have tried to ensure fairness, recognising contributions across the school. And I have committed myself fully to modelling the integrity I expect of others.
These may sound simple, but they are powerful. They build trust, and trust is the foundation of school culture.
Staying Balanced
The biggest challenge is balance. It is easy to feel you must carry everything yourself when the role lands suddenly on your shoulders. I have learned, though, that leadership is not about taking everything on alone. It is about knowing when to lean on your team, when to pause, and when to look after yourself.
I remind myself that I cannot lead effectively if I am burnt out. Looking after my wellbeing is not a luxury. It is part of the responsibility of leadership, and in all honesty, I am still working on this.
Areas for Growth
This experience has also shown me where I need to improve. I want to listen more actively and seek structured feedback from staff, parents, and students. I want to embed fairness into systems, so that ethical principles are not just mine but are woven into the school’s culture. And I want to support the development of other leaders, so that responsibility is shared and the school becomes stronger as a whole.
Admitting these areas is not a weakness. It is a commitment to keep growing.
Advice for New Principals
For anyone stepping into their first principalship, my reflections are simple. You may never feel ready, but step forward anyway. Use the experiences you already have, because they will guide you more than you realise. Lean on your team, because leadership is not meant to be a solo act. Guard your balance, because your wellbeing matters as much as your decisions. Stay true to your values, because people will trust you for your honesty long before they trust you for perfection. And most of all, see the experience as an opportunity to grow.
I often think back to my first week in the role. I was standing in the assembly, looking out at a conference room full of staff. For a moment, the weight of responsibility felt crushing. But then I reminded myself: I do not need to be perfect. I just need to be present, fair, and true to myself. That thought lifted the weight. It reminded me that leadership is not about control; it is about service.
Final Reflections
Being Acting Principal was not part of my plan, but I believe it has happened for a reason. It is stretching me, teaching me, and shaping me into a stronger leader. I am grateful for the trust placed in me, and I know that this experience will make me a better person, a better leader, and a better human being.
I do not pretend to have all the answers. I am simply using the lessons from my life, my time as a leader in various roles, and my belief in ethical leadership to guide me through. And perhaps that is what leadership really is: taking everything you have experienced so far and using it to serve others with clarity, conviction, and confidence.
To my fellow leaders, I would like to ask:
- What experiences shaped you for leadership, even before you knew you would lead?
- How do you stay true to your values when the pressure rises?
- In what ways has “being dropped in the deep end” helped you grow?
Sayd Shah, Acting Principal, International Community Schools (ICSchools) UAE
Sayd is a passionate educator who balances his professional life with a love of sport and travel.
A keen footballer and regular runner, he often joins Park Runs in the UK, with a personal best of 19 minutes for 5k. He is also a loyal Huddersfield Town supporter and a fan of the UFC, particularly Islam Makhachev.
Outside of sport, Sayd enjoys listening to podcasts and reading widely on pedagogy and leadership. He is currently reading Legacy by James Kerr, which explores leadership lessons from the New Zealand All Blacks.
When not working or learning, Sayd loves spending time with his family and travelling, with Malaysia and Turkey among his favourite destinations currently.
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