Because your headteacher is (presumably) human, they’re probably not as demonic as Dolores Umbridge. But they might be pretty close. We bring you a few of the best and worst fictional headteachers – spot any resemblances?
The Worst
Miss Minchin (A little Princess)
This stern school mistress was clearly jealous of Sara’s confidence, wealth and ability to speak French so elegantly. We can think of few moments more heart-breaking than Miss Minchin telling Sara that her father has died with the words, “you are alone in the world”. But we can also think of few endings more satisfying than seeing Miss Minchin get her just desserts – and a job as a chimney sweep.
Dolores Umbridge (The Harry Potter Series)
Although only headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a short period, Umbridge certainly contributed her share of disruption for Harry Potter and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army. Although we might consider some of our teachers as strict or as condescending as Umbridge, it is unlikely we’ve been made to write in our own blood. Or look at so many pictures of cats.
Miss Trunchbull (Matilda)
Roald Dahl has a certain talent for portraying characters with an appearance to match their personality, and Miss Trunchbull, with her “obstinate chin, cruel mouth and small arrogant eyes” is no exception. This bully of a headmistress is best known for employing physical discipline to keep her students in line, such as locking them in The Chokey, or forcing poor Brucie to eat an entire chocolate cake (although we can think of worse punishments…)
Principal Snyder (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Not only did this principal take an immediate and unjustified disliking to our protagonist, even to the extent of trying to expel Buffy from Sunnydale High, but we later discover that he was also put in his place by the town’s Mayor to help cover up the abundance of evil ongoings in Sunnydale. We’ve all wondered whether we get punished simply because a teacher doesn’t like us, but hopefully none of us suspect that our principal is a pawn in an evil conspiracy corrupting our town and threatening the world as we know it.
The Best
Principal Skinner (The Simpsons)
Although this classic character can often come across as one of life’s losers and seems a little too attached to his mother. But as with all good leaders he keeps his students’ best interests at heart. Despite his military background inducing a strict attitude to discipline, Skinner runs the crumbling Springfield Elementary with apathetic teachers, rebellious students and a constant fear of hearing Superintendent Chalmers’ call of “SKIIIIIINEEEEEER!”.
Principal Figgins (Glee)
The Principal of William McKinley High. He has an amusing history of employment with Mumbai Airlines. And often appeared a little tight with the school budget to the detriment of the students’ extracurricular activities. However, he always had the students’ best interests at heart and did what he could to be fair and just.
Miss Honey (Matilda)
Miss Trunchbull’s niece. She became headmistress of Crunchem Hall Primary School after Miss Trunchbull fled the spirit of her brother Magnus. Miss Honey is the complete antithesis of her monstrous predecessor. She is everything a student desires in a teacher; caring, gentle, nurturing. Perhaps adopting students is a step beyond what most students look for, but she’s certainly headed in the right direction.
Albus Dumbledore (The Harry Potter Series)
This blog wouldn’t do the world of fictional principals justice without mentioning this magical headmaster. Few have – or, for that matter, could – do more than sacrifice their lives for the safety of their students. Plus, as Kingsley Shacklebolt says after Dumbledore escaped capture by the Minister of Magic, “you can’t deny: Dumbledore’s got style”.
Written by Sophie Valentine