SSAT’s Leading Edge network
Become part of the only national network exclusively for high-performing schools.
We understand the challenges of achieving and sustaining high performance and believe they are best met with the support of like-minded professionals.
We connect you with colleagues across the country, fostering structured collaboration and providing regular insights into best practice.
Start date
Leading Edge year begins in April, but applications welcome at any time
Format
National network. Year-long programme of activities
Cost
£1,785 + VAT
Need more information?
Get in touch or call 020 7802 2300
The national network for high-performing schools
High-performing schools have been connecting through the Leading Edge network for over 20 years. The programme has evolved in that time, but the core purpose remains the same: to support successful schools to further develop their practice through collaboration with like-minded colleagues.
Following the SSAT’s ‘By schools, for schools’ principle, the network is led by a steering group of headteachers from within the network. An annual programme of activities provides opportunities for headteachers, senior leaders and middle leaders to share practice.
Leading Edge Innovation Grants offer an insight into some of the creative and interesting work going on across the network.
Welcome to the Leading Edge programme. As a school leader at times you have to choose where to invest time and energy and which networks you choose to belong to. At the heart of Leading Edge is a group of innovative, energetic and like-minded schools that are actively looking to collaborate and learn from one another. For us it is at the core of our commitment to challenge, grow and improve as a school far beyond simply comparing ourselves to the school ‘down the road’. We truly value the partnership, collaboration and inspiration of the work we do together and welcome you to be a part of it.
Rob Carter, Executive Headteacher, St Paul’s Catholic College. Chair of the Leading Edge headteachers’ steering group
What schools are saying about the Leading Edge Network
“A humbling experience. Great to connect with high performing schools and leaders.”
Nick Robinson
Executive Principal, Trinity Academy, Halifax
“An excellent network – a great way to spend time with other great leaders.”
Tyson Lane
Headteacher, President Kennedy School
“Collaboratively challenging each other to be more impactful for all our young people.”
Jane Waters
Executive Headteacher, Seven Kings School
“Great to meet leaders from other schools with interesting and compelling ideas for improvement.”
Michael Sullivan
Headteacher, Forest Hill School
“A really useful opportunity to network with and learn from other high-performing schools.”
Erika Podmore
Headteacher, Eltham Hill School
“A wonderful group of educators where collaboration for the benefit and growth of students is always at the forefront.”
Tim Harris
Headteacher, Summerhill School
Leading Edge 2026-27 – More opportunities than ever to connect
Connections for headteachers – Termly ‘Heads Together’ meetings provide an opportunity for headteachers to discuss key issues with like-minded colleagues. The focus for meetings is decided by the steering group or at the request of headteachers in the network. Where appropriate, we invite external guests to join the conversation.
Connections for senior leaders – The SSAT Framework for Exceptional Education is updated bi-annually by Leading Edge schools at a planning day. Leading Edge schools can apply to be accredited for ‘transforming’ practice in up to four strands of the framework per year. The accreditation process involves a peer review with another school and a visit from a member of the Leading Edge team.
Connections for subject leaders and teachers – Regular Leading Edge sharing practice events enable teachers to gain an insight into what other high performing departments are doing in the network. Middle leaders share practical ideas and examples which colleagues elsewhere can use and there is an opportunity for discussion.
Leading Edge Leadership Conference – An in-person event which enables Leading Edge headteachers and senior leaders to meet and collaborate. Leadership insights from Leading Edge headteachers, other inspirational leaders and sector experts.
Leading Edge visits – A visit from a member of our team to support connections and discuss your work.
As a result of working within the SSAT Leading Edge group, Churchdown has elements of all schools we have worked with in this incredibly strong network of school improvers. We have also shared our high-performance strategies with others and so, just like there are elements of other schools in Churchdown, there are elements of Churchdown in many other schools.
Dave Potter, Headteacher, Churchdown School
Book a call with Alex Galvin, Senior Education Lead
Speak with Alex Galvin to learn more about the benefits of joining the Leading Edge network.
Book a call
The Framework for Exceptional Education
The Framework for Exceptional Education is SSAT’s flagship self-review and improvement framework. Fully revised in 2024 by a team of exceptional headteachers and senior leaders from the Leading Edge network, the framework captures what best practice looks like in 12 key areas of practice. If you are not familiar with the framework, you can find full details here.
Leading Edge schools can apply to be accredited as ‘transforming’ in up to four strands of the framework per year.
Accreditation process
- Schools identify one or two strands of the framework to apply for, selecting particular areas of strength.
- Participating schools are paired for peer review – each school receives a peer review and undertakes a peer review for another school in the network.
- A member of the Leading Edge team visits to complete a moderation visit and confirm the accreditation.
- At the end of the process, participating schools will have received two feedback reports on that aspect of their practice, identifying distinctive strengths in their practice, as well as suggestions for further development.
The collaboration [the framework] offers is a valuable chance to assess teaching practices and witness diverse pedagogical methods firsthand. Grateful to all the staff and students we engaged with this week.
Alastair Tucker, Senior Leader, Kennet School
Find out more
How do strong schools stay strong?
Back in 2018, schools in the Leading Edge network worked collaboratively to try and articulate how schools become high-performing and how they stay there. In the next Leading Edge year, we will be revisiting this piece of work and would love you to join the conversation.
Leading Edge Conference 2025
View what was on offer at last year’s Leading Edge Conference.
Framework for Exceptional Education Sample
View a sample of the Framework for Exceptional Education.
Leading Edge helps school leaders to share good practice and helps to identify and implement actions to support high performance in our schools.
Felicity Corcoran, Principal, St Michael’s Catholic College
Key information
Membership criteria
The network’s purpose is to connect high-performing schools who are looking to further develop their practice through collaboration. At present, eligibility is based on performance data, Ofsted outcomes and other indicators of high performance that the school chooses to share.
*Prices exclusive of VAT
Schools must be SSAT members to join the Leading Edge network. The non member price includes both Leading Edge Membership and SSAT Membership.
