Leading strong and sustained school improvement across two large primary schools in a highly challenged community demands clarity, consistency and conviction. This session shares the journey of an Executive Headteacher using the principles of ‘The Certainty Effect’ to build the conditions for lasting improvement. It explores how establishing “solid ground” through the persistent, insistent and consistent enactment of routines and expectations creates the certainty and security needed for growth. The session will show how high standards are embedded through deliberate practice and explicit modelling of thinking, using scenario-based discussions to navigate complex leadership tensions with clarity and coherence. The session also examines how alignment and accountability are strengthened through “testing the temperature” — analysing root causes and ensuring that day-to-day practice reflects shared values. Through this approach, integrity, belonging and excellence become embedded as an intrinsic way of being across the school community. This reflective session offers leaders an insight into our journey to secure sustained school improvement that is both disciplined and deeply human.