Networking and collaboration in the South region

The following information provides an update on National College activity in the London, South East and South West regions, and enables you to learn from and share good practice with other leaders.

National College briefing sessions

We will shortly be delivering termly regional briefing sessions for local authority and diocese colleagues. The purpose of the sessions is to:

provide an update on our work in your region
build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities and dioceses
share knowledge and information

Dates for sessions in the South region are to be confirmed, but we expect these to take place during the summer term.

For further information or to register your interest in attending a session, email southregion@nationalcollege.org.uk.

London

Leading a school with a religious character

A group of 35 participants recently attended the launch of the pre-National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) programme for aspiring church school leaders. The programme is run by the London dioceses in partnership with the College. The event included a personal profile about each participant’s leadership style and considered the National Headteacher Standards in the context of a church school.

In addition to the above, 25 participants attended a two-day event for post-NPQH aspiring church school heads. Hosted by experienced heads of church schools and diocesan advisers, the event focused on key issues of leadership. There was also a session on the first 100 days of headship presented by a newly appointed head.

If you are a deputy head or senior leader who aspires to headship and would like to participate in future programmes for aspiring leaders, commencing in autumn 2012, you can now register your interest. You will receive further follow up registration and programme information during the summer.

South East

Exploring models and partnerships

A conference for Medway primary school leaders to explore models and partnerships was held on 6 February.

Stimulated by the idea of a self-improving school system and the knowledge that models of school leadership and partnerships are changing across the country, members of the local branch of the NAHT began to consider how to transform their school landscape by working together.

They started by engaging other local groups to support and sponsor the conference. These groups included the Twenty First Century Schools Group, The Medway Teaching Schools Alliance and the local authority.

The conference also included input from a headteacher and national leader of education from Greenwich. His experience of a successful partnership will be invaluable. It is hoped that the outcome of the conference will be the beginnings of a more collaborative landscape across Medway.

Whilst many schools remain and flourish in the structure of one school, one headteacher and one governing body, Medway is exploring and developing different models to meet current challenges. This initiative will be led by the two National College associates working with Kent and Medway.

Paired Partnership Programme launched

A group of 34 aspiring leaders recently attended the launch of the Paired Partnership Programme across four local authority areas that are working together as the Pan Solent Collaborative.

The programme enables aspiring deputies to undertake a four-day internship in host schools, shadowing and finding out first hand what the role really involves. The day provided challenging reflection on the implications and challenges of being a leader in a changing world and the programme is a great example of how schools can provide each other with support, training and development opportunities.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the day was the anticipation of learning from everyone attending; the hosting deputies looked forward to being challenged and stimulated by the new aspiring leaders, who were similarly looking forward to a unique opportunity to affirm their future career hopes and plans.

South West

Development opportunities for aspiring female and black and minority ethnic (BME) leaders

A new cohort of ‘Investing in Equality’ has launched in Bristol, led by College associates Niki Thomas and Dolapo Ogunbawo, and Hadassah Radway from Bristol local authority.

Across the region there are further programmes offering individual leadership development grants for aspiring female and BME leaders, typically involving needs analysis, mentoring, and internships with outstanding leaders.

To find out more and apply for a programme, email Luana Girling at l.girling@poole.gov.uk.

Diversifying Leadership Conference

The next Diversifying Leadership Conference, open to all school and system leaders from the South West region and beyond, is on 1 March at Bournemouth. Keynote speeches will come from College associates Niki Thomas and Rosemary Campbell-Stephens.

For more information, email Luana Girling at l.girling@poole.gov.uk.

Your contacts in the South

View all contact details for lead, deputy lead and National College associates, independent schools advocates and school business manager advocates in the South region.