A word of advice from one manager to another; develop a Rhino hide very quickly, you will need one HELL of a thick skin, especially if you have principles.

I have been a manager for five years; below me are the semi and unqualified staff who work on the front line of special educational needs and work wonders every day, above me are the purse key holders who are as tight as a duck's arse and right in the firing line is me, generally being shit upon from a great height! It is good to know you can make a difference and you can, but those that are above have no real idea.