“The single biggest way to impact an organisation is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organisation that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders, and continually develops them.”
John Maxwell
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it? A four term course covering aspects of middle leadership culminating in a portfolio assessment.
Who is it for? Colleagues looking to build and evidence their skills in preparation for a middle management role either at Canford or another school.
What is involved? The course will involve a mix of talks, workshops, reading and tasks that will give colleagues access to experts in each area and real life experience.
How will it be assessed? The assessment will be in the form of a portfolio of work evidencing your skills and reflections throughout the course. You will also undertake a change management project; identifying an area of need within an area of school life and implementing strategies to address it followed by an evaluation.
What do I get at the end? This is an internally recognised award at this stage (although we will be seeking accreditation) which aims to give you new skills and access to different experiences. However we anticipate that completing it will give you evidence of the necessary skill sets for future employers and we would furnish you with an award certificate detailing what you have learned and achieved.
How can I access the course? Places will be awarded via an application process, criteria for which you will find later in the pack. It is expected that those applying will already have a proven track record of actively working to improve their practice across their roles within the school and competence in what they do already. Prospective candidates will be asked to submit a form responding to questions and a personal statement. Full / Part time status will not have a bearing on applications.
Do I get any time to do this? Not as a general rule. Completing this would be part of your professional development in addition to your usual teaching commitments. That said, in some circumstances there may be some room for discussion. It is likely that some of the sessions will take place in staff development slots.
What support is available? – each participant would be allocated an experienced middle leader as a mentor. In addition to this, expert staff will be available to advise and guide on particular areas through a series of workshops and seminars. Contact time with your mentor will be left to you both to decide with a minimum of one meeting per half term.
Course content
This is divided into two sections. The first core section will be accessed by all participants and then you will choose which optional pathway you want to follow.
5 core strands
Leadership
Different styles of leadership
What does good leadership look like
What are the ups and downs of being a leader
What does a good team look like?
Management
Budgeting
Prioritising
Preparing for inspection
Dealing with conflict / relationship management
Working with HR
Managing your own wellbeing
Effective recording
Behaviour management
Communication
Difficult conversations – parents, pupils, colleagues
Effective communication with all stakeholders
Coaching and mentoring
Driving improvement
Using data to promote progress
Managing change
Improving teaching and learning
How do you develop a plan for development and complete a SEF?
How can you assess and evaluate the efficacy of change?
Quality assurance
Appraisal, observations, learning walks etc.
Supporting SEND
Building my ‘middle leader trophy cabinet’ – improving your C.V., interview practice, demonstrating the skills you have
Academic Pathway option
Improving teaching and learning
Staying ahead of the pedagogical curve
Data deepdiving
Marketing and admissions
Exams
Safeguarding
Managing mental health
Managing transitions
Pastoral Pathway option
Managing a tutor and matron team
Safeguarding
Marketing and admissions
Event management
Reference writing
Mediation
“Earnyour leadershipevery day.”Michael Jordan
Staffing, mode of delivery & assessment
Please be aware that the details may be subject to change
Core Strands
Module 1 – 3 weeks Oct to Nov 25
The up’s and down’s of being a leader
Module 2 – 8 weeks Nov 25 – Feb 26
Module 3 – 4 weeks March – April 26
Module 4 – 6 weeks May – June 26 Driving
Using
How do you develop a plan for improvement / complete a SEF
How can you assess and evaluate the efficacy of change?
Module 5 – 2 weeks June 26
Quality assurance
Appraisals, observations, learning walks
Selling yourself – building your middle leader ‘trophy cabinet’
Academic pathway
6 weeks Oct – Dec 26
Improving teaching & learning in the department
Staying ahead of the pedagogical curve
Data deep diving
Promoting progress in specific groups (SEN / EAL)
6 weeks Oct – Dec 26
Pastoral pathway
Assessment
At the end of the course you will be asked to submit a portfolio of materials comprising of the individual tasks that you will have completed on an ongoing basis through the course. These will be short tasks which we anticipate will take between 45 minutes to an hour to complete. You can see in the final column above which elements have these. Some will be practical tasks and several will be asking you to write a short reflection on what you have learnt during a session.
The second key part of the assessment will be in the form of a project. You will be asked to identify a particular area of change that you would like to see in your chosen area We would then like you to design, implement and assess a change project to address this area. You will be given support and guidance throughout with the management of the project giving you a chance to explore and reflect on the skills needed and the opportunities and challenges that can come with implementing any change. You are likely to be asked to make a short presentation to SLT on your project at the end and this will also form part of the assessment.
Application process
The application process will take place during the Summer term preceding the start of the course.
Course 1 will commence in October 2025 and applications will be invited in May 2025.
Interested colleagues will be asked to complete an application form on which they will need to evidence
▪ a proactive approach to their own development and engagement in the staff development programme
▪ that they are executing their core responsibilities effectively in a way which has resulted in positive pupil outcomes and provide a personal statement outlining their suitability and motivation for the course (not exceeding 750 words).
Numbers will be limited and in the event of oversubscription, interviews may be held in addition to the written application.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome before the end of the summer term. Those awarded a place will be expected to make a commitment to complete the course.
“Aleaderisonewhoknows theway,goestheway,and showstheway.”JohnC. Maxwell