All By Grace

21 Years of Christian Headship

Jim Cockburn spent 37 years of his life in teaching and 21 years as the headteacher of a comprehensive school in north-east England, a career that he loved. 

As Jim sought to apply Christian principles to the many challenging situations he encountered as a headteacher, he regularly experienced God’s grace and strength. His goal in every situation was to live out the Christian life in a practical way and to share the love of Jesus with others. 

This book, in which Jim tells his story and reflects on the significance of events and decisions made, will be of great interest to all Christians in education. 

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This is the book on school leadership I have been looking for. As a headteacher, I read a lot about leadership in an attempt to broaden my knowledge and understanding, however there is always something missing, something that doesn't quite connect. For me, the gap has been linking leadership reading to my faith as a Christian headteacher. Jim's words are poignant, insightful, heart-warming and encouraging - I know that I will come back to his words of wisdom regularly to refuel and refocus.

Kieran McGrane
Headteacher, Ponteland High School, Newcastle upon Tyne

It has been my privilege to know Jim and to be a frequent visitor to his school for 37 years. My involvement in assemblies, lunch time meetings and classroom debates enabled me to present the Christian message from the standpoint of a believer and in ways that were sensitive, attractive and informative. It was also an opportunity to build relationships with staff and students and to be an encourager in the many challenges of school life. For these reasons I feel that it is so important that schools continue to remain open to the input of Christians like myself and to the message of faith and hope that we bring. I trust that this book will cause you to feel the same!

Dave Glover
Church Leader and Evangelist, Killingworth, Newcastle upon Tyne

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Jim Cockburn has spent thirty-seven years of his life in teaching, a career that he has loved. In December 2014 he retired from the post of Principal of Longbenton Community College, which he had held for twenty-one years. During his time in teaching, he desired to live out the Christian life in a practical way and share the love of Jesus with others.

As a Christian headteacher he experienced God's grace and strength in dealing with many challenging situations as he sought to apply Christian principles in what he believes was a God-given role. He is keen to share his experience with other Christians involved in leadership in schools and other organisations.

Jim and his wife Ella have three grown-up sons, and are also experiencing the joy of their first grandchild. They are members of Jesmond Parish Church in Newcastle upon Tyne.