SSAT Leadership Legacy Project
Supporting the next generation of leaders
It has never been more important to develop the talented leaders the system needs. Ensure your colleagues don’t miss the opportunity to join SSAT’s Leadership Legacy Project, a nationally recognised initiative designed to empower early-career teachers and drive whole-school improvement.
Launch event
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Closing date
Friday 25 September 2026
Format
Year-long programme of activities
Cost
SSAT members: 1 x free place, additional places available at £545 + VAT
How can we help?
Book your support call here
Celebrating 10 years of the Leadership Legacy Project
We are delighted to open applications for cohort 10 of the SSAT Leadership Legacy Project. We are very proud to have played a part in the leadership journeys of 1,400 early career teachers since 2017. The Leadership Legacy Project was developed by our CEO, Sue Williamson, who wanted to ensure that our membership offered a programme that gave emerging leaders ideas, inspiration and connections to each other. Ten years on, these ideals remain at the heart of what we do. Leadership Legacy Fellows have the opportunity to learn from our wonderful team of Experienced Leaders (serving headteachers, CEOs and senior leaders), shadow leaders within the network and receive training from the team at SSAT that is designed to build confidence and develop practical skills to support their next steps.
It has never been more important to develop the talented leaders the system needs. By nominating a teacher, you’re unlocking their potential to lead with confidence, inspire meaningful change and connecting them to a vibrant network of like-minded professionals across the country. This transformative experience not only enhances morale and retention but also strengthens your school’s succession planning. Secure a place for your brightest talents today.
What is the SSAT Leadership Legacy Project?
The project offers a unique opportunity for teachers within their first 4 years of experience to join a cohort of like-minded colleagues and develop their practice. During the year they work with currently serving headteachers, shadow senior leaders and receive tailored leadership training that prepares them for their next step.
Every SSAT member school is invited to nominate one colleague per year to join the programme. Nominating a member of your team is a great way to recognise what they have already achieved and to build their confidence as they prepare to move into leadership roles.
Encouraging integration, respect and diversity
Learn more about the Leadership Legacy Project with this think piece by Nathan O’Boyle, Ian Ramsey CofE Academy.
What schools are saying about the SSAT Leadership Legacy Project
“Taking part in the SSAT Leadership Legacy Project was a significant step in my leadership journey. The project allowed me to develop my confidence in leading change, working collaboratively with colleagues and evaluating impact. This experience became a valuable stepping stone, helping me to take on further leadership responsibilities.”
Karina Khan, Gatley Primary School, 2023-24 Cohort
“The SSAT Leadership Legacy programme was an invaluable experience; as a teacher working in SEND, opportunities to visit other schools and learn from outstanding settings are not always readily available. Spending time with senior leaders provided a genuine insight into the day-to-day challenges they face and the strategic decisions they make.”
Dominic Durkin, Catcote Academy, 2021-22 Cohort
“I would recommend to anyone wanting to progress in education and add to their skill set. It enabled me to have the qualification, confidence and momentum through whole-school action to be able to achieve a promotion from a Teacher of Geography to Head of Humanities.”
Alex Wilson, Uplands Community College, 2024-25 Cohort
Read more about the impact of the of the Leadership Legacy Project
Programme outline
- Online launch event: 13 October 2026.
- Two peer group meetings led by an experienced serving headteacher from the network.
- Three twilight webinars focussed on leadership training.
- Support to lead a change project in school that leads to submission of a think piece to demonstrate the work undertaken.
- The opportunity to shadow senior leaders in another school.
Download the full programme outline
By the end of the project, Leadership Fellows will have
- Made valuable connections with like-minded colleagues at the same stage of their career.
- Learnt from experienced headteachers and senior leaders in the network.
- Benefited from high-quality leadership training.
- Led a project within their own school, with support from their experienced lead and the team at SSAT.
Launch event
Tuesday 13 October 2026, 15:30 – 17:15, Online
Who can take part?
Candidates must be qualified teachers within their first 4 years of teaching. All candidates should have been identified by their headteacher as having the potential to become an outstanding leader. The programme is suitable for teachers in primary, secondary and special schools.
Book a call with Alex Galvin, Senior Education Lead, SSAT
Alex joined SSAT in 2008 and is now a senior education lead. She runs SSAT’s Leading Edge network, our network for high performing schools, supporting schools to collaborate, innovate and share best practice. Alex also leads on curriculum for SSAT. Prior to joining SSAT, Alex taught for fifteen years in schools in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
Book a call
Think pieces by previous Leadership Fellows
The development and implementation of high-quality teaching and learning strategies to support the progress and independence in writing of low attaining pupils, pupils with SEND and pupils with EAL at primary school
A Leadership Legacy Project think piece from Amy Webb, Chapelford Village Primary School.
Intrinsic motivation and behavioural change: The role of positive teacher-student relationships
A Leadership Legacy Project think piece by Rosie Connick, Barr’s Hill School.
Download secondary think piece
How can I develop Gestalt Language Processing practice and tools to positively impact learner progress in communication?
A Leadership Legacy Project think piece from Amy Upton, Strathmore School.
Key information
Schools need to be an SSAT member to be part of the Leadership Legacy Project.
*Prices exclusive of VAT
Member schools are able to purchase additional places at a cost of £545+VAT per additional place.
