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support senior leaders to think more systemically, deepen self-awareness and lead complex organisational change with greater confidence and clarity.
Develop strategic thinking and confidence
Further develop strategic thinking skills critical to leading with confidence and having clarity when decision-making.
Built around the realities of strategic FE leadership
Address the operational, strategic and system-level challenges facing today’s FE and skills workforce so participants can develop key skills and strategies in real context.
Lead complex organisational change
Deepen self-awareness and embrace challenge to be able to build the essential skills to navigate and lead complex organisational change with purpose and impact.
Designed and delivered by sector experts
Led by experienced and respected FE Principals, CEOs and system leaders, ensuring learning is grounded in real-world sector insight and credibility.
Cross-sector exposure and a peer network beyond the programme
Participants build strong professional relationships and informal peer networks from colleagues across the sector that continue beyond the formal programme, providing ongoing support and sector connection - reducing isolation.
Deep, immersive development — not a quick fix
A high-quality, blended learning journey delivered over six months, giving leaders the time and space to embed learning and apply it in real organisational contexts, with the same peers throughout.
Supporting tangible organisational impact
Deepen and enhance strategic leadership practice through structured reflection and expert input.
Gain and apply practical strategies to lead complex organisational change with confidence and in a sustainable way.
Explore sector wide challenges tailored to your needs in a safe, confidential and reflective environment.
Build a powerful peer network, supported by 1:1 coaching and project based learning aligned to the FE sector’s Leadership Standards.
What leaders will gain
Make stronger strategic decisions and with the tools to lead change with confidence
Develop the judgement, tools and confidence to lead complex organisational change — supporting improved performance, clearer direction and more effective use of resources.
Proven approaches to respond to sector challenges with practical action
Leaders gain proven approaches to responding to policy, funding, workforce and quality pressures, with strategies they can apply immediately in their own organisational context.
Lead with greater self-awareness, sharper strategic thinking and stronger influence
Enhanced self-awareness, sharper strategic thinking and stronger influencing skills enable leaders to align teams, build trust and lead more effectively across their organisation.
Reduced isolation through a lasting and trusted senior peer network
Build lasting relationships with other senior leaders, giving them an ongoing sounding board for strategic decisions and access to shared practice beyond the programme.
The chance to learn from experienced experts in the FE and skills sector
Designed and delivered by experienced Principals, CEOs and sector experts, delegates explore the realities of the FE landscape, test practical strategies and develop approaches they can apply immediately within their own organisations.
A dedicated and supportive space to step back and work on real challenges in the sector
The programme offers something leaders rarely get, dedicated time and space to step back from operational pressures, gain fresh perspective and grow alongside a trusted peer group facing similar challenges.
Programme structure
This programme is a six-month blended development journey. All costs and expenses included in fee.
Designed and delivered by experienced Principals, CEOs and sector experts, the programme combines immersive residential learning with personalised coaching, structured reflection and peer challenge.
Three-hour online session
Designed to set direction, build connection, and establish a strong foundation for the learning journey.
- Introductory activity to establish participants experience and aims for the programme.
- Explore ETF Leadership Standards to analyse participants leadership skills and highlight areas that will be a developmental focus in the residential content.
- Case study and discussion to explore approaches to leadership challenges.
Three day, two night residential
Following the online launch session, participants will come together an an immersive residential experience. In-person development deepens learning, strengthens peer relationships and brings leadership concepts to life.
- Eight interactive sessions covering a range of relevant topics.
- Dedicated time to network and build strong peer connections.
- Opportunities to learn alongside and from experiences experts from the FE and skills sector.
Following the first residential, participants continue their development through a blend of practical application and personalised support. This phase is designed to embed learning, encourage reflection and maintain momentum between in-person modules. This time of the programme includes:
- Undertaking a project-based independent learning activity applying programme insights to real workplace challenges.
- Two one-to-one sessions of individual coaching to support individual goals, reflection and development with an expert.
- Bringing all project work, insights and experiences forward into the second residential.
Two day, one night residential
The programme concludes with a focused residential designed to consolidate learning, strengthen strategic thinking and turn insight into action.
- Seven sessions, applying learning in the context of the wider macro-environment.
- Share project insights and experiences with peers.
- Refine and present a clear proposal for organisational change.
Investment for long-term impact
leadership impact
Build leadership into clear decisions, strong direction, and better learner outcomes.
confident teams
Create empowered leaders ready and able to drive culture, collaboration and change with confidence.
time for learning
The chance to step back, deepen leadership capability, renew clarity and ability to navigate complexity.
Who is this programme created for?
This programme is designed for senior leaders in the FE and skills sector who are committed to driving organisation-wide improvement and making a meaningful impact beyond their own remit.
It is particularly relevant for those in strategic leadership roles, including:
- Directors
- Executive Directors
- Assistant Principals
- Deputy/ Vice Principals
- others with significant cross-organisational responsibility and influence.
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