The Hidden Culture in Schools: The Traits to Look Out For and How to Address Them

From the vantage point of an experienced principal, I’ve learned that school culture, especially the hidden kind, can be the biggest barrier to progress. It shapes how people behave, communicate, and relate, often without them realising. Left unchecked, it can breed conflict and dampen morale. To address this, I always look out for specific traits when identifying a hidden culture, such as a lack of teacher support, presence of cliques, and lack of community involvement.

It is important to understand that every school you lead has its unique culture that shapes the values of the community and staff. It can be challenging to identify this hidden culture, but it has a profound impact on the school’s climate and students’ experience. A negative school culture can create a feeling of isolation and exclusion, leading to academic problems and less motivation to engage with studies. To create a positive school culture, it is essential to understand the contributing factors and address them through specific policies and initiatives.

In my experience, it’s crucial to start by looking at the school’s mission statement and curriculum to identify the hidden culture. Teachers can get clues from the resources available to understand the school’s hidden culture and how it can be changed. For instance, if the mission statement mentions “tradition” or “heritage,” it may indicate a focus on preserving the past, while a curriculum that promotes innovation and change may indicate an openness to new ideas.

I believe that a positive school culture is characterised by supportive relationships, a sense of belonging, and a collective commitment to the success of all students. To cultivate a positive school culture, you need to promote social and emotional learning, encourage student voice and leadership, and nurture a climate of respect. When everyone in the school community feels valued and connected, they are more likely to be motivated and invested in supporting the success of every student. A positive school culture can have transformative effects on the entire educational experience and that is something working hard for!

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden