Remove an unnecessary word

Sentences in your web writing should be short - preferably no more than 20 words. This will make them far easier to read and has more impact.

If you're facing a mammoth 40-word sentence you'll probably need to rewrite it completely. Try reading it aloud and summarising the concept to yourself -then writing down your summary.

But if your sentence is about 25 words long, try removing just one unnecessary word. For example:

'Recognising the work of schools that support other schools and make an invaluable contribution to system leadership nationally through their collaborative work.'

How about removing 'their'? Or 'nationally'? Or changing 'that support' to 'supporting'?

You can even get together with a colleague and swap - remove a word from each other's sentences. It may become the latest craze in the office!