Testimonials
See what head teachers and other school leaders have to say about our coaching and leadership development programmes
"The time for quality reflection enables me to think with clarity. My coach has been incredibly responsive to need. I have enjoyed the variety of ways in which we have worked. The coaching has enabled me to connect with my values more deeply and to ensure that decisions I make for our children and community are values led. I am more confident, more determined and have greater clarity."
Marie Staley, Headteacher, Moulsham Junior School
"Overall leadership quality has increased through carefully framed and kindly held conversation and reflection which has resulted in increased leadership confidence, clarity and courage. The value of reflection, the application of leadership models and personal gain in thought and concepts have been powerful value added. My coach held a thoughtful, energetic and empowering space."
James Franzen, Principal Longspee Academy
"I have really focused on developing my leaders and creating a culture of responsibility. This has certainly had a positive impact on the effectiveness of my leaders. It has really helped me to gain confidence in my own decision making and leadership skills. I feel I have an stronger understanding of developing different leaders as individuals, as well as how to tackle more challenging conversations, whilst maintaining a positive ethos with the team."
Carmilla Cassidy, Principal, Parklands Primary School
"My coach has arrived at a time in my professional career that was really 'timely' and the depth of reflection that her coaching led to me experiencing in terms of leadership and personal reflection, was immense. This journey has been something I will remember for some time and through her approach she opened up some deep rooted areas of my leadership journey that to date I had not fully explored - it's been powerful.
Peter Taylor, Principal, Audenshaw Secondary School
"From the work undertaken, it has allowed me to look more openly at the SLT and how we work and to tweak some of the approaches. This has enabled more open discussions and alternative solutions to challenges.
Laura Baggett, Headteacher, Monkhouse Primary School
Laura Baggett, Headteacher Monkhouse Primary School
“I have never experienced a coaching set up before and I was unsure of what to expect. However within minutes of talking to my coach it was clear that the process was going to be of huge benefit to me. My coach would listen to me, pose questions, understand my frustrations and most importantly help me to overcome them. The ease at which she put me at really did allow me to open up and explore areas of my leadership that I had never unpicked before. To sum it up, my coach just got me and got where I could develop and most importantly gave me tools to be able to do it.”
Matt Sealby, Director of Learning for Key Stage 5, Littlehampton Academy
"I enjoyed the suggested reading materials as they helped to contextualise what was discussed in coaching sessions. I feel that I was able to reconsider my approach to situations and conversations in a way that I would not have done had it not been for coaching. I liked the honesty of considering how my own actions and contributions may have led to certain situations and conversations. My coach asked me questions which really made consider things in an alternative way. I am extremely grateful for the coaching programme on a personal and professional level and I would highly recommend it to others. It was without doubt the best professional development that I have had to date. "
Carly Teale, Deputy Principal, Rochdale Sixth Form College
"The coaching sessions were surprisingly accessible. I am not one for navel-gazing and find reflecting on strengths particularly difficult. The models introduced made the process easier and the coaching style ensured the sessions were very productive. Shared experiences of peers reinforced and challenged my views of leadership and the current state of affairs. Being guided through techniques to reflect, evaluate and challenge has broadened my outlook on leadership.”
Rob Harker, Headteacher, Carville Primary School
"I have had 'lightbulb' moments that have really moved me forward as a professional. The programme has allowed me to reflect deeply on my beliefs and skill set which has subsequently led to changes in my practice."
Amy Paige, Deputy Headteacher, Ridgeway Secondary School
"I embarked on this coaching at a turbulent time in education, where quite frankly it has been difficult to see the wood for the trees. I was operating on adrenalin and missing the constant need to crisis manage situations which was a product of the Covid pandemic. Thankfully, thanks to my coach's expertise, approach and kindness I am again able to lead with the clarity and joy I had previously. This has had a profound impact on my own leadership and that of others in the academy."
Nicola Walker, Principal, Horbury Academy
"I’ve gained the space to be able to discuss and process what I’m feeling and struggling with at this time and have someone reflect back what I’ve said and provide guidance and advice where appropriate. I’ve gained new habits to ensure I put myself first and reduce my daily stress."
Jennifer McMillan, Assistant Principal, Harris Academy Greenwich
"I always come out of my coaching sessions feeling optimistic, confident, capable, buoyant, and reacquainted with my love of education - because sometimes that disappears with the stress of the job. My coach helps me clarify my thought processes. He listens so effectively and he can synthesise well and offer some leadership theory that will help me with my issue. Always after a session, I come out feeling optimistic and that I can carry on doing the job I'm doing."
Christopher Lamb, Headteacher, Enfield Grammar School
"My coach challenged my thinking in ways I had not even thought of. They empowered me to go ahead and make some tough decisions and arrange meetings to hold those tricky conversations I was avoiding"
Christalla Jamil, Headteacher, Eastfield Primary School