[ Navigating leadership across diverse school contexts

Learning from Leaders in Different Contexts

One of the most powerful ways of learning is through the experience of others and taking part in new experiences. This programme is for Primary School Leaders who have been in the role for a while, who are ready to face outwards and learn from other leaders in different contexts and roles.

Developed in partnership with Noctua Alliance.
RKC
Learning from Leaders in Different Contexts
Key details
Suitable for
HeadteachersSenior Leaders
When
Commencing 6th March 2026
Can’t make this date? Contact us to be notified of the next course date
Where
Red Kite Learning Trust, Harrogate
Price
£450
£400 for Red Kite Alliance members
  • Overview
  • Programme
  • Testimonial

This exciting and varied programme will allow you to explore the complexity of school leadership across the system, develop an understanding of different school sizes, demographics and contextual challenges, and explore how schools tailor approaches to the curriculum. A cohort of Primary Leaders from North and West Yorkshire will visit schools across both regions, hearing from other leaders in conferences, and take part in hands on workshops.

Day 1 - Conversations with Leaders'

6 March 2026, Red Kite Office, Harrogate

Educational leaders face wide-ranging expectations from diverse sources, and multiple accountabilities. Their role is critical to achieving and sustaining high-quality education for children and students. Leaders are expected to succeed in ways which satisfy learners, parents, governors, teachers and other staff, and, above all, to comply with the demands of government in hugely varying contexts and settings. On day one of the programme, you will hear from leaders in varied roles about how they lead and the challenges they face, will reflect on your own leadership and plan for your learning during this course.

Spring Term - School Visits

Participants will explore diverse approaches to leadership and team development, curriculum planning, and teaching and learning. These visits will provide invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by different schools, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of a school leader and offering practical strategies that can be applied within your own school.

Day 2 - Curriculum Conversations'

8 May 2026, Temple Learning Academy, Leeds

On the second face-to face day of the programme, ‘Curriculum Conversations’, leaders will share and reflect on the invaluable learning from their triad visits.

Summer Term - School Visits

Building on the visits to schools in the Spring Term and reflections on curriculum, the next element of the programme is intended to provide further experience of schools with a diverse range of contexts. Each leader within the triad will visit a different school from a group curated by the programme leaders, who have been chosen due to the unique nature of their context or setting. Visits will be planned so that participants are experiencing something new, thought-provoking or intriguing.

Day 3 - 'Championing Inclusion'

25 September 2026, Lighthouse School, Leeds

The final face-to-face day of the programme will be a celebration of your journey towards transformative leadership. Our themes will be inclusion and belonging – you will have the opportunity to learn in an inclusive environment from inspirational leaders who truly champion equality and embody the diversity of our educational system. This day promises to be a testament to the power of shared learning and the boundless potential we hold as leaders committed to making a meaningful impact.

The time to reflect and talk to other leaders was invaluable - I found every session inspiring and informative. The chance to visit other schools provided an opportunity that is often difficult to arrange by yourself and meeting new contacts made the job feel less lonely especially hearing other leaders are facing the same difficulties and being able to discuss solutions in a real way.
Learning from Leaders 2024-25 programme member

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