Professional Learning Offer

Welcome to our Leadership and Management Professional Learning Offer for staff.

These programmes are designed to inspire and empower current and future leaders, providing a valuable insight into the knowledge, skills and qualities that drive successful leadership in education. Whether you are taking your first steps towards leadership or seeking to expand your influence and impact, these courses offer an opportunity to explore what it means to lead with purpose, vision and confidence.

Through engaging professional learning experiences, you will deepen your understanding of leadership and management, explore contemporary approaches to leading people and change, and develop the strategic thinking needed to shape positive outcomes for colleagues, learners and organisations. Along the way, you will reflect on your own leadership journey, strengthen your professional practice and build the confidence to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

Internal Courses

Insight into Leadership (i2L)

Course Outline: This introductory programme is designed for education staff who may be considering leadership positions. It provides a foundational understanding of the key concepts, skills, and responsibilities involved in educational leadership. Participants will explore leadership theories, strategies for managing teams, and ways to foster a positive and inclusive school culture. The programme aims to develop future leaders who can effectively support both staff and students while driving school improvement.

Course Leader: R. Hall-Richards

Course Duration: 4 Months

Course Content:

  • The roles of educational leaders
  • Effective Communication
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Resources and budgeting
  • Understanding action/strategic plans.

Who is this course for:

  • Teaching and Associate staff that are considering stepping into leadership positions.

Course enrolment: July 2026

Insight into Middle Leadership (IML)

Course Outline: This programme is designed for educational staff who aspire to take on middle leadership roles, such as department heads, curriculum coordinators, or associate managers. It focuses on developing the practical skills and competencies needed to lead teams, manage resources, and drive improvement at the middle leadership level. Participants will gain insight into balancing leadership and general responsibilities while supporting school-wide goals and fostering a collaborative culture.

Course Leader: D. McGinley

Course Duration: 1 Academic Year

Course Content:

  • Session 1 – The Role of the leader
  • Session 2 – Managing a whole-school project
  • Session 3 – Making your project effective
  • Session 4 – Self Evaluation
  • Session 5 – How to write a letter of application (Middle Leadership Positions)
  • Session 6 – Mock interview and project presentation to Governors

Who is this course for:

  • Aspiring Teaching & Associate Staff Middle Leaders
  • Current Teaching & Associate Staff Middle Leaders

Course enrolment: July 2026

Insight into Senior Leadership (ISL)

Course Outline: This programme is for middle leaders who aspire to move into senior leadership roles within schools. It focuses on developing the skills, strategies, and mindset needed to lead effectively at the senior level. A strong emphasis will be placed on strategic leadership, educational innovation, and fostering a positive organisational culture. The aim for the end of the course is for participants to feel ready to take on leadership challenges and drive positive change within schools.

Course Leader: K. Lawlor

Course Duration: 1 Academic Year

Course Content:

  • Session 1 – The role of the Leader
  • Session 2 – Managing the School
  • Session 3 – Things they don’t teach you on NPQH
  • Session 4 – Your School Vision
  • Session 5 – How to write a letter of application (Senior Leadership Positions)
  • Session 6 – Mock Interview for a Senior Leadership Role.

Who is this course for:

  • Aspiring Teaching & Associate Staff Senior Leaders
  • Current Teaching & Associate Staff Senior Leaders

Course enrolment: July 2026

External Courses

We are delighted to offer staff the opportunity to participate in fully funded Leadership and Management qualifications designed to develop the next generation of school leaders.

Whether you are beginning your leadership journey or looking to broaden your strategic influence across the school, these nationally recognised programmes provide the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead meaningful improvement. Participants will strengthen their ability to inspire others, manage change, drive innovation and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement that benefits colleagues, pupils and the wider school community.

This is more than a qualification; it is an opportunity to invest in your professional growth, expand your leadership potential and play an even greater role in shaping the future direction and success of our school.

Insitute of Leadership & Management Level 4 (Operational)

(Delivered through Portal Training)

Course Outline:The level 4 Diploma is a Higher Apprenticeship programme that aims to develop your management and leadership skills and techniques through a mixed assessment method, providing you with a qualification that is highly valued within education and internationally recognised across all sectors of industry.

Course Mentor: R. Hall-Richards

Course Duration: 17 Months

Course Content:

  • Develop and Implement an Operational Plan
  • Provide Leadership and Management
  • Develop Working Relationships with Stakeholders
  • Manage Personal and Professional Development
  • Managing Personal Development
  • Managing and Implementing Change in the Workplace
  • Understanding the Management Role to Improve Management Performance
  • Managing Stress and Conflict in the Organisation
  • Understanding and Developing Relationships in the Workplace
  • Managing Improvement
  • Developing Critical Thinking

Who is this course for:

  • Aspiring Teaching & Associate Staff Middle Leaders
  • Current Teaching & Associate Staff Middle Leaders

Course enrolment: Various times throughout the year.

Insitute of Leadership & Management Level 5 (Strategic)

(Delivered through Portal Training)

Course Outline:The level 5 Diploma is a Higher Apprenticeship programme that aims to develop your management and leadership skills and techniques through mixed assessment methods, providing you with a qualification that is highly valued within education and internationally recognised across all sectors of industry.

Course Mentor: R. Hall-Richards

Course Duration: 21 Months

Course Content:

  • Managing Strategic Change
  • Develop Business Process
  • Contribute to the Development of a Strategic Plan
  • Provide Leadership and Management
  • Developing Critical Thinking
  • Leading Innovation and Change
  • Managing Improvement
  • Making a Financial Case
  • Understanding the Management Role to Improve Management Performance
  • Managing Stress and Conflict
  • Managing Own Continued Professional Development

Who is this course for:

  • Aspiring Teaching & Associate Staff Senior Leaders
  • Current Teaching & Associate Staff Senior Leaders

Course enrolment: Various times throughout the year