Kate Smith

Kate Smith is a former primary headteacher and ICF ACC‑accredited coach who co-leads the HeadsUp4HTs network, a national community supporting the emotional well-being and professional sustainability of headteachers and school leaders. She serves as Network Leader and coach for HeadsUp4HTs, where she facilitates peer support, coaching and leadership development for thousands of school leaders across the UK and beyond, with a particular focus on intentional well-being, sustainable leadership and values-driven practice.

As a co-author of HeadsUp4HTs: Supporting Purposeful School Leadership, Smith draws on extensive experience coaching executive headteachers, headteachers and other leaders, sharing stories and practical strategies to help them stay connected to their purpose and prioritise their well-being. She holds multiple coaching accreditations, including ICF ACC, Resilient Leaders Elements Coach, Life Story Coach and Therapeutic Art Coach, and her work centres on transitional and resilient leadership, authentic communication and supporting leaders through the challenges of headship.