Find the right development programme for you

For senior leaders

 

Bring fresh thinking and sector insight into your organisation, connect with leaders, reflect and share learnings to strength your skills and impact. 

For middle, new or aspiring leaders

Whether you're a middle leader developing wanting to build a network or a new or aspiring leader just starting this journey, there is a programme for all. 

For all levels of leadership

Programmes available to any level of leadership that support mental health and inclusion.

Looking for whole-organisational support?

If you need a wider package of development, for multiple teams or your whole organisation, fill in our short form for more tailored support.

The learning experience has been invaluable for me at
this stage of my career.

Jo Maher, Principal and CEO, Loughborough College

For SENIOR Leaders

ETF Dynamic Senior Leadership

Online and in-person residential learning

For experienced senior leaders

An immersive, high-impact development programme that strengthens strategic leadership capability across the FE and skills sector.

New - now live for bookings

ETF Senior Leadership Team Impact

In-house, tailored development days and coaching

For senior leaders

Designed to equip an organisations senior team to lead not just as individuals, but as a coherent, confident unit driving whole-organisation impact. Aligned on strategy, tackling problems together, and sustaining cultures that inspire and deliver.

New - now live for bookings

Finance Leaders and Managers Programme

Online learning

For finance managers and deputy finance directors

Designed by ICAEW in collaboration with ETF to support all further education finance managers and deputy finance directors with the skills and knowledge needed to drive team performance and influence the broader business. Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE)

For middle, new or aspiring leaders

ETF Transition to Senior Leadership

Online and in-person residential learning

For experienced middle leaders

A blended programme to support middle leaders in developing the strategic mindset and skills to step into senior leadership roles.

New - now live for bookings

ETF Middle Leadership Mastery (MLM)

Online, face-to-face or blended 

For new and current middle leaders

This programme provides your leaders with the knowledge, tools, and techniques they need to drive organisational improvement, enhance teaching environments, and boost learner success.

Leading from the middle


Online and face-to-face 

For middle leaders

A DfE-funded programme building confidence, capability, effectiveness, and community among those driving improvement from the heart of organisations. Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE)

Finance Leaders and Managers Programme

Online learning

For finance managers and deputy finance directors

Designed by ICAEW in collaboration with ETF to support all further education finance managers and deputy finance directors with the skills and knowledge needed to drive team performance and influence the broader business. Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE)

ETF Introducing Leadership (open and in-house)


Online instructor-led

For new and aspiring leaders

An accessible open online programme building confidence, core skills, and a shared language of leadership for those beginning their leadership journey.

For All

Inclusive Leadership Programme

Free programme

For all levels of an organisation

Free-to-attend and designed and delivered by University of Portsmouth, this programme supports FE and skills leaders in embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion as a personal priority. 

Mental health and wellbeing resources

Free resources

For all levels of an organisation

Additional resources for leaders to support mental health and wellbeing. 

Building a supportive network

Jen Deakin, Course Leader of Graphic Design and Advanced Practitioner at Runshaw College, attended the Education Training Foundation’s Leading from the Middle programme in January to March 2024.

Jen undertook a focused learning activity (FLA). Here, she reflects on what she chose to create for her FLA, her other learnings from the Leading from the Middle course, and her advice for new leaders. 

Read Jen's experience

It’s been transformative for our team… a powerful investment in reflective, ethical, and impactful leadership.

Julie Gilbert, Director, People at CityLit - Middle Leaders Mastery Programme

Supporting partners:

Professional Standards at the core

All ETF programmes are underpinned by ETF Professional Leadership Standards, providing a national framework for excellence, a common language and coherence in leadership development.

Explore the Professional Standards

Need a different development programme?

Are you a CEO or Executive?

Explore ETF Executive Development, for today’s and tomorrow’s CEOs and system leaders. Programmes designed to protect space for reflection, sharpen influence, and strengthen resilience.

Do you work in Governance?

Take a look at our Governance Development Programme supporting governors and board members looking to strengthen strategy, assurance, and performance - aligning governance with mission and impact.

Need more support?

Contact the leadership team via email below for more detailed support.