Learning objectives
By the end of the programme, learners will be expected to:
- Identify the role and responsibilities of a middle leader in wider educational leadership to ensure every pupil gets an excellent education and is equipped with powerful knowledge.
- Have an understanding of the strategies that support students and staff through change and continuous improvement.
- Be an inclusive leader that can positively communicate the vision, ethos and values of their school.
- Develop tools and skills required to effectively manage a team and maximise performance.
- Reflect on their practice and leadership style, enhancing their confidence, resilience and effectiveness as a middle leader.
How it’s delivered
13 sessions are delivered online from November to July.
Each session is facilitated by expert school leaders who showcase best practice, explore evidence-based research and offer practical solutions for leading school improvement.
We understand the varying commitments of school leaders and support flexible working. That’s why we’ve designed our programme to be:
- Fully online
- Term time only
- Scheduled in advance
- Easy to catch up on missed webinars
- Supportive through regular communications
After each webinar, participants will complete a learning log to help them apply their learning to their role and have quality conversations about their development with their line manager.
Who it’s for
Participants must be working in a UK school (can be local authority, academy or independent school) and be either:
- An aspiring middle leader
- A newly appointed middle leader
Middle leadership roles can vary from each school setting. An example of the roles we consider to be a middle leader are: Head of Department, Subject Lead, Head of Year, Key Stage Lead, Lead Practitioner.
Time commitment
Participants must complete 13 x 1 hour online sessions. The timeline for this course is:
- 6 November 2024 – programme launch with Sir Jon Coles, United Learning CEO
- November 2024 to June 2025 – 11 webinars delivered 16:30 – 17:30 every other Wednesday during term time
- 3 July 2025 – celebration event
- 4 July 2025 – programme ends
- 11 July 2025 – certificates of completion sent
We estimate that participants will take an additional 20 minutes per session to complete a learning log.
Cost
£300+ VAT per school (for up to 5 participants).
We work directly with schools and their headteacher, individuals cannot apply themselves. This helps us to provide the best professional development experience we can for participants and maximise the impact on school improvement beyond United Learning.
Schools can put forward up to 5 participants to join the Middle Leadership Programme or Senior Leadership Programme.
This payment is non-refundable. No refunds are given if a participant withdraws or cannot complete the programme.
How to apply
Headteachers can register their interest by completing this form by 9 October 2024: https://forms.office.com/e/ZxLC2ZLxJx
A member of the United Learning Professional Development team will be in touch with you to discuss further.
Schools should confirm their application by 9 October 2024.
United Learning reserves the right to close the application early should the programme reach maximum capacity.