GDST Learn

GDST Learn

Contents Overview

03

How to use this brochure

04

Safeguarding

05

Pastoral

06

Teaching & Learning

07

Inclusion (including SEND, Behaviour & EAL)

08

Digital Strategy & Practice

09

Teacher Training (including ITT & ECT)

10

Educational Research

11

Leadership & Management

12

Professional Services & Support Staff

13

Health & Safety

14

Online Learning & Essentials

15

Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications

16

Published September 2026 - all content correct at the time of publishing

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Overview At GDST, we help girls learn without limits so they can lead lives without limits. Our culture and approach to Professional Learning is values-driven. Our Professional Learning reflects the same values: Girls First, Fearless, Forward-Thinking, Family, and Fulfilling.

Built on evidence, expertise and collaboration, our learning offer supports every colleague to grow, thrive and make an even greater impact. Responsive to individual and school priorities, it empowers continuous development across our diverse family of schools.

This brochure provides an overview of GDST’s flagship Professional Learning culture, approach and programme, available in GDST Learn. It outlines a series of Professional Learning themes which provide a cohesive map of learning for colleague progression and development within both existing roles and into new career chapters. Each theme hosts opportunities for Professional Development and Collaborations, informed by the latest research, evidence and insights.

Who is Professional Learning for?

While some opportunities are specific to certain audiences, all themes contain opportunities available to all colleagues in all roles. Colleagues are invited to use this brochure with their Line Managers to identify opportunities to develop performance and capability.

Professional Development opportunities enable colleagues to learn skills that support professional practice.

This is offered in a variety of formats including live classes, mentoring and workshops as well as self-paced and microlearning

Collaborations allow colleagues to network and share excellent practice, built through broad and diverse communities of practice. GDST Collaborations are facilitated in a structured way as a combination of inperson and online opportunities such as discussion groups and community meetings.

Educational Research - GDST has a long and successful history, and ongoing culture, of driving action research in girls’ education. Research is a vital part of Professional Learning and adopts a fundamental place in this brochure.

How to engage in Professional Learning opportunities Each theme signposts colleagues to the full programme on GDST Learn with detailed information about each Professional Learning activity and how to access opportunities.

How to use this brochure Using this brochure in your appraisal meetings and continuous conversations means you will have the GDST Professional Learning offer at your fingertips to support your ongoing development. Below, you can find which themes are most relevant to your role and the professional learning opportunities available to you. Click your area to explore.

Student-facing colleagues

School Professional Services & Support Staff

Trust Office colleagues

Typical colleague roles or groups

• Heads, Deputy Heads and Assistant Heads • Heads of Department & Subject Leads • Teachers • Teaching Assistants • Early Years colleagues • Pastoral staff, DSLs, EAL Co-ordinators

• Business, admin, HR • IT, data • Exams, admissions • DFOs, Finance • Facilities, catering • Library and technician colleagues

Trust Office teams including: • Marketing, Communications & Philanthropy • Finance • Legal • Estates • Education • ITS

Suggested professional learning themes

• Safeguarding • Pastoral • Teaching & Learning • Inclusion (including SEND, Behaviour & EAL) • Teacher Training (including ITT and ECT) • Educational Research • Online Learning & Essentials • Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications • Health & Safety

• Professional Services & Support Staff • Digital Strategy & Practice • Leadership & Management • Safeguarding • Educational Research • Online Learning & Essentials • Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications • Health & Safety

• Leadership & Management • Digital Strategy & Practice • Educational Research • Professional Services & Support Staff • Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications • Online Learning & Essentials • Safeguarding • Health & Safety

Examples of professional development & collaboration opportunities

Professional Development such as the Cognitive science of Teaching & Learning series, Level 3 DSL and the GDST Pastoral Leader programme; and Collaborations such as DSL, Pastoral Lead and Subject Lead communities.

Professional Development such as Power BI programmes, IOSH qualifications and Mental Health First Aid; and Collaborations such as the SIMS User Group and the Data meets Admissions conference.

Professional Development such as the School Leadership programmes and Digital Strategy for Education; and Collaborations such as the Marketing & Communications and EdResearch communities.

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Safeguarding Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and underpins GDST’s commitment to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments where every student can learn and thrive.

Effective safeguarding practice helps protect students from harm, promotes their wellbeing, and ensures their voices are heard and valued. Professional learning in safeguarding equips colleagues with the knowledge and confidence to recognise concerns, respond appropriately, and fulfil their responsibilities, fostering a strong culture of safety, care and accountability across the Trust.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Inclusion, Pastoral and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development

Collaboration

Previously vital and popular Safeguarding Professional Development such as certificates at Levels 2 and 3, policy updates, Prevent, online safety and Safer Recruiting opportunities continue.

Collaborations (communities, conferences and meetings) are offered throughout the year for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs).

In addition, the following new programmes have been introduced: • Gangs & county lines • Domestic abuse awareness • Harmful sexual behaviour • Managing allegations • Honour based abuse & forced marriage • Female genital mutilation • Safeguarding in therapeutic practice • Adultification bias • Safeguarding for governors and trustees

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Pastoral At GDST, pastoral care is fundamental to helping every student feel safe, valued and empowered to thrive. By nurturing wellbeing, resilience and a strong sense of belonging, effective pastoral care enables girls to flourish both academically and personally, and ensures colleagues have the skills and expertise to respond to the evolving needs of young people.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Inclusion, Safeguarding and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development

Collaboration

Previously vital and popular Pastoral Professional Development such as policy updates, Sleep for Teens, relationship skills, Prep and Junior PSHE support, Traumainformed practice support continue.

Collaborations (communities, conferences and meetings) include:

In addition, the following new programmes have been introduced for Heads of Year and Pastoral Leads: • Pastoral Case conferences • GDST Pastoral Leader programme • Youth MHFA programme • InnerDrive resources – pastoral resources • Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) • Inside the Mind of a Troubled Teen • Suicide Prevention • Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Health & Wellbeing specialism • Level 5 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Social & Emotional Wellbeing specialism

• Pastoral Leads • Positive & Wellbeing Champions • PSHE Leads • School Counsellors

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Teaching & Learning Excellent teaching and learning are at the heart of GDST girls’ success. The research is clear that highquality teaching is the most important lever for improving attainment, with classroom practice remaining the single biggest driver of student outcomes. Professional learning about effective teaching and learning ensures all colleagues continue to develop their expertise, refine their practice and provide consistently high-quality and impactful learning experiences that enable every student to thrive.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Educational Research, Inclusion and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development

Collaboration

These opportunities are available to all classroom-facing colleagues across Prep, Junior and Senior schools:

Communities of practice, conferences and meetings for sharing practice and networking are available to a wide variety of classroom-facing colleagues and leaders, including Prep & Junior Subject Leads, Senior HoDs, Research Champions, Teaching Assistants, Early Years colleagues, EAL Leads, Heads of Careers, TCTs and Network Chairs.

• Cognitive science of Teaching & Learning for teachers series • Effective Teaching & Learning for TAs (facilitated mini series) • AI in the Classroom • Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning • Teacher Feedback to Improve Pupil Learning • Using Digital Technology to Improve Learning • Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (Specialisms: SEND / Health & Wellbeing) • Level 5 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (Specialisms: SEND / Social & Emotional Wellbeing / Language & Literacy) • Level 6 Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

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Inclusion

(including SEND, Behaviour & EAL) Inclusion is key to ensuring every student and adult feels valued, supported and able to succeed at GDST. Through inclusive approaches to SEND, behaviour and EAL, we create learning environments where all students can participate, thrive and achieve their potential. This professional learning programme equips colleagues with the knowledge, skills and confidence to meet diverse needs effectively, fostering equitable, inclusive and high-quality experiences for every learner across the Trust.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Educational Research, Teaching & Learning and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development

Collaboration

These opportunities are available to all classroom-facing colleagues across Prep, Junior and Senior schools:

Collaborations (communities, conferences and meetings) include:

• Supporting Neurodiverse Pupils • Leading Behaviour • A range of Level 3-6 Apprenticeships are available for Trainee Teachers, Teachers, Teaching Assistants and SENCOs in specialisms for SEND, social and emotional wellbeing, and speech, language and communications leadership • Adapt26 SEND series • Future Visions with Technology • NASEN SEND resources

• Diversity & Inclusion Leads • SEND Leads • EAL Co-ordinators

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Digital Strategy & Practice GDST’s approach to digital professional learning is pedagogy-first, girl-focused and humancentred, empowering colleagues to use technology thoughtfully to enhance learning, leadership and operational practice. Through research-informed learning, peer collaboration and practical skill development, we build the confidence, curiosity and capability needed to shape girls’ futures in a digital world.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Educational Research, Teaching & Learning and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development The GDST Digital programme includes: • Digital Strategy for Education • Digital Practice for Teaching & Learning • Mastering our Technology Platforms • Future Visions with Technology • Space, AI and Emerging Technology

Collaboration Communities of practice, conferences and meetings for sharing practice and networking are available to a wide variety of colleagues, including those interested in, responsible for or leading digital strategy and practice.

Go to GDST Learn for the opportunities most relevant to you

Teacher Training (including ITT and ECT)

At GDST, high-quality Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and ongoing Early Career Teacher (ECT) professional learning are central to ensuring excellent outcomes for both staff and students. Through structured development opportunities, expert mentoring, collaboration across our network of schools, and access to evidence-informed practice, teachers are supported to build confidence, refine their expertise, and develop successful long-term careers. This commitment to continuous professional growth helps create inspiring learning environments where both educators and students can thrive.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Inclusion, Pastoral and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development Programmes include: • ECT Training series • ECT Research programme • Level 6 Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (Degree and QTS) • Level 6 Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (QTS and PGCE / PGCE in SEND) • ECT conference

Collaboration Collaborations (communities, conferences and meetings) include: • ECT Co-ordinators • ECT Mentors • Year 1 ECTs • Year 2 ECTs

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Educational Research Educational research has always played a vital role in the GDST’s professional learning culture, helping to ensure that practice is informed by robust evidence and emerging insights. By undertaking and engaging in and with educational research, collaborative research partnerships and action research, colleagues are empowered to investigate, evaluate and refine their practice, driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications and Inclusion.

Professional Development Opportunities include: • GDST Research including: The GDST Action Research programme, the ECT Research programme and the GDST Research Library and publications • Partnership with International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) including: The Headways Virtual Master Classes, regular podcasts and the ICGS Research Library

Collaboration Communities of practice, conferences and meetings include: • Action Research programme • GDST EdResearch conference & Research Champions community • GARC Alumnae • TCTs and Network Chairs • Master’s Research colleagues Additional collaboration is available upon request through Peer Review and Ideas Exchange.

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Leadership & Management Strong leadership and management are essential to creating the conditions in which students, staff and schools can thrive. GDST’s leadership and management programme develops colleagues’ values-driven leadership through teaching and supporting the development of knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to lead effectively, drive improvement and develop high-performing, inclusive cultures. By investing in leadership development at all levels, GDST strengthens its capacity for collaboration, innovation and sustainable excellence across the Trust.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Educational Research, Teaching & Learning and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development

Collaboration

These opportunities are available to all classroom-facing colleagues across Prep, Junior and Senior schools:

Communities of practice, conferences and meetings for sharing leadership and management practice and networking are available to all colleagues in leadership positions. These include colleagues based both in schools and in Trust Office. If you lead or manage any people or workstreams, there is likely to be a leadership community for you.

• School Middle Leadership programme • School Senior Leadership programme • Professional Services & Support Staff Middle Leadership programme • GDST Pastoral Leader programme • Heads & Senior Leaders online series • ‘Squiggly Careers’ Career Development online series • Being an Effective Line Manager online series • Leading School Development workshops (various popular and existing titles) • Leadership Matters development pathways

This includes: all senior, middle and aspiring leaders of school departments and subjects, Prep, Junior and Senior, professional services, TCTs and Network Chairs, DFOs, DSLs, Pastoral Leads, Academic Leads, Sustainability and Partnership Leads, Heads of Careers, Finance Managers, Digital Leads and more.

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Professional Services & Support Staff GDST professional services colleagues and support staff play a vital role in enabling schools and students to succeed. Investing in their professional learning helps colleagues develop their expertise, enhance the quality and efficiency of their work, and grow in confidence and capability. By supporting professional development across all roles, GDST strengthens collaboration, service excellence and organisational effectiveness, ensuring every member of the community can contribute to the Trust’s success.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Educational Research, Teaching & Learning and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development Programmes include: • Leadership & Management: Professional Services & Support Staff Middle Leadership programme • Teaching Assistants: Cognitive science of Teaching & Learning for TAs series • Business, Administration & Data: Managing the Single Central Record (SCR), Managing admissions & applications and procurement and contract management • Health & Safety: Mental Health First Aid for adults

Collaboration Communities of practice, conferences and meetings for sharing practice and networking are available to a wide variety of professional services colleagues and support staff. These include colleagues based both in schools and in Trust Office.

Whether you are a subject technician, a teaching assistant, a colleague in Early Years, HR, exams, admissions, finance or IT; whether you are part of the Marketing, Communications & Philanthropy team, responsible for admissions, data or exams, a nurse or medical lead, or a DFO, there is a collaborative community of practice available to you.

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Health & Safety Health & Safety is fundamental to creating safe, healthy and supportive environments in which students, colleagues and visitors can thrive. Effective Health & Safety practice helps protect people from harm, supports wellbeing, ensures compliance with legal responsibilities, and enables schools to operate confidently and effectively.

At GDST, Health & Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Professional learning in this area equips colleagues with the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify risks, implement appropriate controls, respond effectively to incidents, and contribute to a culture of safety, prevention and continuous improvement across the Trust.

Examples of the programme are provided below, and on Professional Services & Support Staff, Online Learning & Essentials and Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications.

Professional Development Health & Safety courses include: • 2-day and 3-day IOSH Managing Safely Courses • IOSH Directing Safely for SLT • CLEAPPS H&S Management • Fire Marshall • Asbestos and Legionella Awareness • Mental Health First Aid for adults • Trip Leader training and Ski Trip Leader training • PASMA and ladder safety • ROSPA playground management • Radiation Protection Supervisor course • Swimming pool management, plant and testing training • DATA Workshop training • Health & Safety eLearning catalogue

Collaboration Communities of practice for sharing best practice and networking are available to colleagues with Health & Safety responsibilities across GDST. Collaborative opportunities include: • Health & Safety Leads network • Nurses community • Facilities & Estates community • Educational Visits Coordinators (EVC) network • Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) network • Positive and Wellbeing Champions • School Counsellors

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Online Learning & Essentials Through GDST Learn, colleagues have access to a wide offer of online learning opportunities that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, supporting both individual development and organisational priorities.

From essential compliance training to leadership development, wellbeing, management skills and equality, diversity and inclusion, online learning provides flexible opportunities to learn, refresh knowledge and develop new skills beyond your current role throughout your career at GDST. Whether you are completing essential mandatory training, developing leadership skills, enhancing your management practice, or exploring topics that support wellbeing, inclusion and personal effectiveness, eLearning provides accessible development opportunities for every colleague across the Trust.

The online catalogue offers a mixture of interactive modules, videos, resources, learning pathways and self-directed courses, enabling colleagues to build knowledge, develop skills and revisit learning whenever needed.

Mandatory courses • Anaphylaxis & Allergy training • Cyber Security Awareness • Essential Health & Safety training • GDPR UK Essentials • Risk Assessment • Stress Awareness • Unconscious Bias training Some specific roles require additional mandatory courses to be completed. These are assigned automatically on GDST Learn, but colleagues are also encouraged to discuss additional requirements with Line Managers.

Professional Development eLearning Colleagues can also access a wide range of optional eLearning to support personal and professional development on a range of topics: • Personal effectiveness and skills • Leadership & management • Safeguarding • Staff wellbeing • Equality, diversity & inclusion • Health & Safety

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Apprenticeships & Accredited Qualifications Working in partnership with external providers to provide specialised learning and development is vital in ensuring everyone has the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to be highly effective.

Apprenticeships are a valuable professional learning pathway, providing access to specialised, extended development programmes through trusted training providers and funded through the apprenticeship levy, at no additional cost to colleagues. By combining structured learning with practical application in the workplace, apprenticeships enable staff to build expertise, gain recognised qualifications and develop professionally, supporting both individual career growth and the continued success of the Trust.

Many programmes also provide additional accredited qualifications, often included as part of programmes, or optional for a small additional fee. These can include National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), HLTA and certificates in coaching, leadership and project management, all the way up to postgraduate and master’s qualifications. Where qualifications are not available as part of an apprenticeship, it may be possible to access grants and loans to pay for them.

Further information and examples are provided overleaf.

Programmes include: • Safeguarding, Pastoral & SEND: For colleagues with an interest in SEND, programmes are available for Teaching Assistants, SEND specialist teachers (QTS/PGCE), SENCO training and Speech, Language and Communication Leadership.

• Teaching & Learning: Various specialist teaching programmes are available from entry level through to degree and postgraduate. This includes apprenticeships for Early Years colleagues, Teaching Assistants and teacher training up to QTS and PGCE, with several specialisms available within those.

• Professional Services & Support Colleagues: Specialist programmes are available for science technicians, librarians, sports coaches, staff who manage data, school administrators, staff supporting safeguarding, HR, business analysis, finance and accountancy, project management, and staff who want to move into a School Business Manager role.

• Digital & IT: Multiple apprenticeships are available to colleagues focused on technical support and network management, digital strategy, learning and school support, as well as on the effective use and adoption of AI and automation.

• Facilities, Health & Safety and Catering: Apprenticeships are available for facilities management at various levels, some including WIFFM qualifications. Catering apprenticeships from entry level, all the way up to Head Chef are also available, as is an apprenticeship in Health & Safety.

• National Professional Qualifications (NPQs): Specialist qualifications exist for middle leaders who already, or want to, lead teaching (NPQLT), teacher development (NPQLTD) and behaviour and culture (NPQLBC). Leadership NPQs are also available to staff in schools who want to lead departments, lead whole-school initiatives or move into senior leadership roles (NPQSL). Staff can also qualify to become a SEND lead in their school (NPQ for SENCOs) or even gain Heads qualifications (NPQH). These can be fully funded through an apprenticeship, or if taken as a standalone qualification, they can be funded by the individual or the school.

GDST also offers professional development grants to contribute to the costs of accredited qualifications that colleagues may want to individually pursue. Grants may cover up to 50% of the costs, with interest-free loans also available. Further information is available on myGDST.

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Excellence grows where learning thrives – flagship professional learning with purpose

Published September 2026 - all content correct at the time of publishing