‘The education system stands or falls on the extent to which it is led by adults who are themselves, flourishing. Children need to be empowered to think, create, analyse, debate, and challenge by adults who are themselves well rested, valued, supported, paid, and championed by society.’ Flourishing Together, 2025.
Flourishing Leaders
Leadership programmes
Learn more
We are launching 5 leadership programmes, delivered right across England:
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The Flourishing Emerging Leader programme is a 15– month programme for those who are new to leadership, whatever their career stage. It is for 'middle leaders’ who are at the heart of school life—shaping curriculum, leading teaching, supporting pupil wellbeing, and creating environments where both staff and pupils can truly flourish. The programme caters for leaders of both academic and non-academic aspects of school life.
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The Flourishing Headteacher programme is a 15–18 month programme for aspiring or existing headteachers who are committed to leading their schools with hope, aspiration and heart so that they themselves, their pupils, colleagues and the school community can flourish. It will equip leaders with the knowledge, capabilities and characteristics to balance the complexities of the role with purpose, strategic vision, courage, and compassion for long term impact. This programme offers space to step back, reflect deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters, developing personally and as a leader.
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The Flourishing Leaders of EDIJ programme is a 12–15 month programme for leaders of this crucial area of education who wish to champion and develop equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice in the life and work of their school or trust. Focusing on creating cultures where every individual is heard, valued, and able to flourish regardless of their background, it will equip them with the understanding, skills and characteristics to lead with purpose, authenticity and courage. Through deep reflection and practical strategy, the programme helps leaders understand the transformative impact of EDIJ work and embed it as a living, strategic priority.
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This Flourishing System Leader programme is an 18– month programme for leaders and aspiring system leaders working across a number of schools (CEOs, executive heads, and trust leaders) but also caters for non-academic leadership domains within Education e.g. central services. The programme is for system leaders who are committed to strategic and values led leadership of our education system. It is for those who want to move beyond operational leadership to create lasting impact— fostering flourishing within themselves and across the schools, communities and for the children they serve. The programme includes two, two-day residentials featuring national expert speakers and offering participants space for deep reflection and to develop knowledge, capabilities and characteristics to lead with purpose, clarity and compassion
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The Flourishing Trustees programme is a suite of resources, spanning 2 years, that supports groups of trustees together in leading with greater purpose, clarity, and impact. It is for trustees who want to move beyond governance as oversight and step into a role that nurtures flourishing—within themselves, their schools and the school communities they serve. It offers a unique space to reconnect with what matters, grow as valuesdriven leaders, and embrace a reflective, and visionary approach to school leadership. This will include relevant knowledge for a trustee to fulfil their role, practical tools and the opportunity to collaborate with other trustees in the sector
Our programmes are built on the following core principles:
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Our programmes follow a twin-track approach that nurtures both personal growth and leadership transformation. Leaders are encouraged to reflect deeply on their values, beliefs, and identity—because flourishing schools begin with flourishing individuals.
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We believe leadership is most powerful when it is purposeful and relational. Our curriculum explores how leaders can inspire hope, build trust, and foster belonging—creating school cultures where everyone can thrive.
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We support leaders to master knowledge of self, leadership craft, and context—equipping them to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion. We have developed a rich and robust research base for our programmes, drawing from both the education domain, including the golden thread, but looking beyond and outside of education and the UK.
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Rather than focusing on problems, we invite leaders to engage with the big questions of school leadership. Through inquiry and reflection, participants develop the insight and courage to lead meaningful change.
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Leadership is not just about what you do—it’s about how you do it. Our programmes cultivate essential leadership characteristics such as integrity, empathy, resilience, and wisdom, shaping leaders who inspire trust and drive transformation.
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With a blend of coaching, peer learning, and practical application, our programmes are immersive and actionable. Leaders leave not just with new ideas, but with the tools and mindset to make a lasting difference in their schools and communities.
The Flourishing Leaders Programme focuses on five interconnected domains that create the conditions for thriving in schools:
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A clear, shared purpose unites everyone in the school community, providing direction and meaning. It inspires collective commitment to a common vision grounded in the school’s identity, mission and values.
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Flourishing depends on the quality of our relationships. When pupils, teachers, leaders and families feel valued and connected, schools become inclusive communities where everyone can thrive within a supportive and innovative environment.
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Pupil success is closely linked to the ongoing learning of teachers, leaders and the wider school community. By working together as a ‘community of practice,’ leaders continually develop their skills, fostering intellectual growth alongside shared values and mutual respect.
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The environment matters. Beyond having sufficient physical, technological and human resources, flourishing requires responsible stewardship - valuing, sharing and managing resources fairly to support all members of the school community.
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The wellbeing of pupils and staff is vital. Healthy habits and resilience enable flourishing, but leaders must prioritise their own wellbeing first to maintain their capacity to leaders others effectively into wellbeing and avoid burnout.
How to apply
If you would be interested in delivering the Flourishing Leaders programmes for leaders in your Diocese/MAT/Trust, please get in touch with us.