Testimonials
See what trust leaders and aspiring trust leaders have to say about our coaching and leadership development programmes
"My coach exceeded my expectations. I appreciated how she tailored sessions to my current situation and helped me to use different models to unpack my thinking as well as help me understand the behaviour of others. She has helped me develop as a leader in a number of ways. I have learned more from this element of NPQEL than any other."
Anna Rooney, Executive Principal, Delta Academies Trust
"The ongoing coaching with BTS Spark has been invaluable both for my personal development and professional development. I refer to the strategies day to day for myself and to support other colleagues. The impact for myself and our team has been significant, allowing us to be more vulnerable, authentic and importantly more resilient. This then enables our personal resources to increase the capacity and capability that we have as professionals. For our roles this has been vital, especially when working with some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and families. A huge thank you for the ongoing support. I am truly grateful."
Sharon Burt, CEO, Solent Academy Trust
"My coaching with BTS Spark has allowed me to take a step back, untangle things, see things more clearly and therefore make better, more strategic plans moving forward."
Susan Douglas, CEO, Eden Academy Trust
"My coach's insight, listening and intellectual connection and sophistication about the intricacies of systemic leadership against human leadership was something I could not have been successful on the NPQEL without. And indeed in my role. Incredible."
Mark Grady, Headteacher, Rugby High School
"This residential was superb. We had a rare opportunity to reflect on ourselves, think about our practice and develop opportunities for our trusts. It was a rare opportunity to properly get to know other Trust Leaders and learn from each other. The input from the facilitators was very high quality and drawn from modern global leadership practice."
Gavin Henderson, CEO, Windsor Learning Partnership
"It is hard to sum up the value of the course, as it was very significant. I felt better able to utilise my strengths, was more aware of the impact of some of my coaching and leadership styles. I felt more empowered to make conscious decisions on how I worked with other staff and conducted meetings more effectively."
Nikki Hodges, Executive Headteacher, Swale Academies Trust
"My coach really understood me and has excellent knowledge and understanding of the sector in which I work. I felt incredibly well supported and safe in my conversations but at the same time she was incredibly perceptive in knowing when to challenge and push. I will miss our interactions but she has developed in me the tools I need to move forward. "
Sian Hartle, Director of Education, Transforming Lives Educational Trust
"The coaching programme allowed me to clarify my strategic thinking in relation to leadership changes within my organisation. I gained more confidence stepping into a new Executive Leadership role. It was very useful to talk through my hopes, fears and strategic intent. My coach allowed this conversation to flow freely and posed thoughtful and insightful questions which guided my approach."
Philip Wilson, Chief executive, Tame River Educational trust
"My coach was able to build an understanding of where I was as a leader and equally as a person thus allowing for exceptionally intuitive questioning that delved deeply into aspects of my leadership that have made a profound difference to my practise and as a result my establishment and professional relationships. The journey has been both exciting and informative, leaving me wanting to move my leadership practise forward even more.
Laura Crossley, Deputy CEO and School Improvement Lead, The Heath Academy Trust
"I have become more decisive and confident in setting the strategic direction and guiding my colleagues much better. My coach was insightful and supportive and really made me feel more confident in my role."
Nicki Morton, Director of SEND, Ambitions Academy Trust
“The residential was by far one of the most powerfully affecting events I've attended. It was obvious, from the outset, that it had been expertly crafted to allow us all to step out of our day-to-day concerns and focus on our own effectiveness as leaders - something we so rarely have the luxury of time to do! The workshop facilitators were exceptionally skilled at creating a safe space in which we could all explore deep introspection - we got so much out of the two days as a result.”
James Higham, CEO, Transforming Lives Educational Trust
“As a new leader taking on a new role nationally, this has been an invaluable opportunity to help me settle into my role with a safe space for reflection and challenge with my executive coach. He and I had a great rapport that moved my leadership knowledge, skills and behaviours along immeasurably. I am very grateful. I would whole-heartedly recommend BTS Spark Coaching to anyone in the education sector - I believe it could have a profound effect on the culture of a school and the way in which staff are empowered to carry out their roles effectively.”
Mark Beyer-Woodgate, Director of Teaching School Hub, Harris Academy Chafford Hundred
“I have been able to reflect on my style, approach and core values and have been challenged to make the necessary steps in my professional life to enable positive change. My own leadership has developed and I have been equipped to be more confident in my approach and to be bolder when necessary.
The coaching has been a huge enabler in that, backed up by the quality structure of the programme.”
Paul Kennedy, (then) Chief Education Officer, Woodard Academies Trust
“I have found this conference one of the most inspiring pieces of PD I have had at this leadership level.
The level of trust developed very quickly within the group was amazing and ensured that participants were open and present throughout. The facilitation was excellent, just the right amount of uncomfortableness.”
Claire Banks, Director of Education, Olympus Academy Trust
"UCL have worked with BTS Spark in the delivery of the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leaders (NPQEL). This is a high prestige national programme that UCL deliver on behalf of the Department for Education across England. It is designed to develop and enhance the skills and knowledge of the substantive and aspiring system leaders who are key to the effective leadership of the English education system.
A key component of the UCL NPQEL programme is executive coaching and this has been delivered very effectively by BTS Spark. It regularly ranks highly in the feedback provided by participants as they comment on its transformative impact on their understanding of themselves and the demanding role they undertake. Participants also frequently comment on the quality and skills of the coaches employed by BTS Spark.
UCL would commend BTS Spark for the efficiency with which they work and the positive way in which the organisation has responded to the brief provided by our organisation. We have found it a pleasure to work with this organisation."
Steve Welding, Programme Leader NPQ, UCL Centre for Educational Leadership
“This is an opportunity for deep, supported personal reflection on leadership styles and behaviours and the impact these have on self and others. The experience was personally transformational balanced with practical outcomes through peer coaching on key issues.”
Annie Wiles, CEO, Aquila Diocese of Canterbury Academy Trust