Michael O’Mara to publish 'revealing' diary of a headteacher from Smith

Michael O’Mara Books will publish Head Trauma: The Bruising Diary of a Headteacher by Nick Smith, a "revealing" diary spanning the headteacher’s near 30-year career. 

The book will chart Smith's journey from trainee teacher to headmaster with "fascinating" insights into the education system and is billed as a "call to arms for parents, teachers and pupils alike" and a "powerful and pacey rundown of the education system".

Nicki Crossley, senior commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights including e-book and audio from Katie Fulford at Bell Lomax Moreton. Head Trauma will be published on 3rd March 2022. 

Smith taught at four comprehensives, one FE college and a grammar school before becoming headteacher at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School in 2007, where he remained for 14 years. Smith is also known for

using green lyrics to highlight pupils’ support in fighting climate change.

Smith said: "This book is a distillation of my 30 years in education, charting my journey from fledgling teacher, up through the ranks to become the headteacher of one of the UK’s top state schools. I hope that by shining a light on the many outrageous and uplifting events experienced by a modern day headteacher others will be inspired to take up the challenge. It may also go some way towards explaining why teachers are fiercely defensive of their long holidays."

Crossley commented: "Written with wit and honesty, Nick Smith’s memoir is an essential read for every parent, teacher and student alike. Nick not only highlights the incredible year the education system has just had, but also the challenges he and his fellow teachers have faced throughout the past 30 years."