Senior Leader Inspirations

During 2024-25 we will be hosting termly online briefings for all senior leaders. These will give you an opportunity to reflect, connect with others and consider improvement priorities. Places are unlimited for member schools.

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Strategic leadership for school improvement

Summer term: Tuesday 17 June 2025, 15:45 – 17:15

‘Leaders set the weather’ is a phrase commonly used to describe the impact leaders have on the climate, atmosphere and culture of a school. Strategic leaders also set the direction, establishing a clear vision for school improvement based on a deep understanding of the school’s context, people and future goals. This requires an accurate appraisal of where you are now, as well as where you want to go. It’s like planning a journey, mapping alternative routes and deciding the best one to take. And of course, you need to get everyone on the bus with you – the right people, in the right seats!

In this online briefing we will be joined by:

Liam McGillicuddy, Headteacher, Bishopshalt School. Liam will explore the strategic leadership of school improvement over a six-year period, including the challenges and opportunities of the pandemic, focusing on effective change management, prioritising and sequencing development through clear levers for change. Key themes include building a compelling vision, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring soft landings to secure buy-in. Delegates will consider how to sustain momentum through incremental gains—ensuring every day is better than the last—while demonstrating impact to maintain trust and drive collective efficacy. This case study school has improved from a Progress 8 score of 0 to over +1, evidencing transformational leadership in action.

Nick Robinson, Executive Principal, Trinity MAT. Nick will focus on the methods and systems used across Trinity MAT schools to ensure there is a culture that prioritises and celebrates continuous improvement at all levels. He will explore how data and analytic systems are used to identify areas for improvement, and are then in turn used to shape actions and measure their impact.

Creating a culture of belonging and staff development

Autumn term: Tuesday 19 November 2024, 15:45 – 17:15

Feeling that we ‘belong’ is one of our deepest human needs. It is essential for positive self-esteem, team work and creating a thriving school culture.

In this webinar we will focus specifically on how we create a culture of belonging among staff. We will be joined by Albany Learning Trust CEO, Peter Mayland and Executive Headteacher, Linda Burrows. They will share how they have been developing belonging in their schools and engaging with the work of Owen Eastwood, author of “Belonging: Unlock Your Potential with the Ancient Code of Togetherness”. You can listen their podcast interview with Owen here.

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Leading pastoral care and development

Spring term: Thursday 16 January 2025, 15:45 – 17:15

Schools have become the fourth emergency service, putting increasing demands on those leading this hugely important area. This briefing is particularly for senior leaders with responsibility for leading pastoral care and development. We will discuss the challenges and explore how SSAT member schools are meeting the needs of students across different contexts. There will also be an opportunity to find out more about our Pastoral Leaders programme.

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