Leadership for Renewal

“If there is one course which experienced leaders should have as part of their appraisal - it is this one!” – Headteacher on 2023 programme

Update: Generous bursaries available for small school leaders or those from schools in financial difficulty. Contact andy.spens@churchofengland.org for a conversation

Leadership for Renewal is a new, nationally facilitated, one year leadership programme for Headteachers. It is clear that leaders have borne an immense weight both personal and professionally throughout the past 3 years, and this programme is offered by way of investing in the personal wellbeing, mental health and ongoing flourishing of your leadership – to renew and sustain you for the next phase of the journey. It is a great choice for governors looking to encourage and empower their Headteachers in a post-COVID world, and connect them to a vibrant and sustaining community of practice of other like-minded leaders across the country. Our aim is that this programme provides participants with a refuge, a harbour, a ‘reservoir of hope’ and a deep personal and professional investment into the next phase of your leadership.

This is an immersive programme, including two 3-day residentials taking you on a personal learning journey facilitated by a dedicated expert coach and supported by a peer learning group throughout. The programme is open to headteachers in any kind of school setting (primary/secondary/AP/special school; CofE/Catholic/Community/Independent sector). Grounded in the Church of England’s ‘Called, Committed, Connected’ leadership practices ( www.cefel.org.uk/ccc), this programme will provide you with a safe, reflective and transformational space to replenish yourself, helping you find balance and supporting your wellbeing. It will invest in your flourishing as a leader for the long term, sustainably evolving and fulfilling your personal leadership mission as a Headteacher in service of your communities.

"The most timely, useful, developmental training I have accessed in 10 years of headship. Did exactly what the title said it would - a real opportunity for renewal and refreshment. Cannot recommend highly enough." - Headteacher on 2023 programme

Programme Outcomes:

Deeper holistic understanding of yourself and the impact of self on school leadership

Practical coaching and application of critical leadership skills for a post-COVID education system

Rich understanding as to how Christian values translate into effective school leadership

Greater resilience in effectively coping with the stresses and strains faced by Headteachers

Strong and enduring support peer networks at a national level

Creation of ‘personal leadership manifesto’ for the road ahead that enshrines all that you wish to become and to achieve alongside a continuing professional development plan which supports that

Programme Components :

Two, three-day residentials (Summer term 2024 and Spring term 2025) held in a peaceful ‘retreat-style’ location in London – www.rfsk.org.uk

Personal ‘Called, Connected, Committed’ profiling 360 tool and follow up personalised report/coaching to increase your self-awareness and help you better understand your personality, behaviour, motivations, and preferred ways of working

Four 2-hour virtual modules hosted by expert speakers on key issues facing Headteachers today.

Peer support networks, with a dedicated coach to support you throughout the programme

Expert facilitation and coaching from a consistent team

Access to the Church of England’s NPQ and NPQ Plus research base and resources

Opportunity to build and extend professional networks with peers from across the country

Practical information

Cost: The programme cost is £1950 per participant to cover all associated costs, including the two residentials (accommodation, meals etc). UPDATE: Generous bursaries available for small school leaders or those from schools in financial difficulty. Contact andy.spens@churchofengland.org for a conversation.

Schools will be invoiced by the Church of England in Summer 2024, or for schools wishing to split payment equally over two financial years, in Summer 2024 and Spring 2025.

Residential Dates

These will take place in Summer term 2024 and Spring term 2025 and exact dates will be confirmed to participants at the launch date in April.

To apply

Applications must be received by Friday 15th March, but please be aware that there are only 24 places in total and these will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Any applications received after Friday 15th March will be allocated a place on a future cohort.

Begin your application