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.
Next cohort
October 2025
Closing date
Friday 18 July 2025
Format
Year-long programme of activities
Cost
SSAT members: Free
Non-member: N/A
Need more information?
Get in touch or call 020 7802 2300
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
“The shadowing day was amazing – it really gave me an insight into leadership at headteacher level.”
Sarah Short (Cohort 7)
“I enjoyed meeting all of the fellows on the project, getting to go around to see the different schools and meeting and getting advice from leaders. This has helped broaden my mind in terms of teaching.”
Hannah Daulton (Cohort 7)
“[I enjoyed] the ‘Think Piece’ project. It was nice to feel that I was having an impact on my whole school and actively measuring its success.”
Samuel McDonald (Cohort 7)
Programme outline
- Online launch event in October 2025.
- Three peer group meetings led by an experienced serving headteacher from the network.
- Three webinars (twilight) with high profile external speakers and a programme of leadership training.
- Support to lead a change project in school.
- Submission of a think piece sharing the work undertaken, with written feedback.
- 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.
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.
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
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.
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
Members will soon receive a personalised booking link from our membership team.
Member schools are able to purchase additional places at a cost of £545+VAT per additional place.
