National Secondary Leaders Network
The National Secondary Leaders Network (NSLN) exists to support, connect, and empower secondary school leaders from across the country. With a strong foundation in the Church of England’s Vision for Education, we champion wisdom, hope, community, and dignity for every child and adult.
Our purpose
We know that flourishing school leaders are essential for flourishing children and schools. The purpose of the NSLN is to invest in every leader, so that they can see the impact of their own development in the lives of their students, their communities, and their own vocational journeys. Our vision is big – to enable flourishing leadership in every secondary school.
What are the benefits?
It’s all about connection. Through the NSLN, Headteachers and Senior Leaders can connect with other secondary leaders from over 70 schools, at a national and local level for peer support, resource sharing, national updates and local networking.
Many schools who have engaged in this network have then further developed their practice through running NPQ programmes within their school, as well as engaging in the Leaders Like Us programme to deepen their commitment to EDIJ across their schools.
Five reasons to join
1 - Wisdom through Learning and Reflection
We provide space to learn through access to high quality speakers and policy influencers, alongside space to reflect and collaborate, leading to sustainable, long-term leadership.
2 - Hope through Mutual Support
We nurture confident, resilient leadership through our network of mutual care and trust, empowering leaders to navigate the challenges they face with hope for the future.
3 - Community through Collaboration
We facilitate strong, purposeful connections which are built on sharing excellent practice to equip leaders to make a positive impact in their own communities.
4 - Dignity through Personal Development
We support personal growth that honours each leader’s unique vocation and contribution, particularly equipping leaders in church schools to nurture the distinctively Christian identity of their settings.
5 - Flourishing through Relational Leadership
We create space for leadership development that is reflective, impactful and centred on authentic relationships to support all our leaders to flourish.
How much does membership cost for 2025-2026 academic year?
Annual Subscription for schools: £395
Includes 2 tickets per school to each in-person event.
Additional school leaders can attend in-person events subject to availability. Additional tickets cost £45 per person per event.
Additional School Leaders in your team can attend regional networking events – FREE.
Are you a diocese wanting to support all your secondaries to access the network?
Email Lorraine.prince@churchofengland.org to discuss a group subscription.
What's included in the programme?
National events are listed below in the 'upcoming events’ section. There are also a range of regional events to get involved in:
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Autumn - Thursday 20th November 2025 – St. Peter’s, Exeter
Spring - Thursday 5th March 2026 – Virtual
Summer - Thursday 25th June 2026 – St. Bernadette’s, Bristol
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Autumn: 16th October 2025 tbc
Spring: 12th February 2026 tbc
Summer: 11th June 2026 tbc
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Autumn: 16th October 2025 tbc
Spring: 12th February 2026 tbc
Summer: 11th June 2026 tbc
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Autumn: 12th November 2025
Spring: 4th March 2026
Summer: 24th June 2026
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Autumn: Thursday 27th November, The Minster School, 10am-11:30am
Spring: Thursday 10th March, TBC,10am-11:30am
Summer: Thursday 25th June, TBC, 10am-11:30am
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Autumn: 13th November 2025
Spring: 12th March 2026
Summer: 2nd July 2026
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Autumn: 11th November 2025– Ian Ramsey Church of England Academy
Spring: 17th March – Venerable Bede Church of England Academy
Summer: 30th June – St Aidan's Church of England Academy
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Autumn: Wednesday 3rd December |
9:30am - 12pm, St Christopher’s CE High School, Accrington, BB5 4AYSpring: Wednesday 18th March 2026
Summer: Thursday 25th June 2026
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Autumn: Friday 14th November 2025 Blue Coat Church of England Birmingham Street
Spring: Wednesday 11th March 2026 Blue Coat Church of England Birmingham Street
Summer: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 Blue Coat Church of England Birmingham Street
Upcoming events
Event 2: Inclusive Curriculum – Breaking Barriers, Taking Risks National Event
Date: 21st January 2026
Location: Urswick Secondary School, London
🔹 How can we teach in a way that is necessary for some and beneficial for all? Inspired by the concept of wisdom and shared learning, this event will challenge leaders to rethink curriculum design. Attendees will explore how to break systemic barriers, create equitable learning experiences, and empower all students to succeed.
Event 3: Inclusive Community – Becoming Beacons in Your Community National
Event Date: 30th April 2026
Location: Blue Coat, Coventry
🔹 How does your school establish and maintain an anchor of HOPE in your community?
Rooted in the idea of hope and community, this event will highlight how schools can become anchors of positive change. With a focus on student voice, leaders will explore ways to empower young people, develop meaningful community partnerships, and create sustainable social impact.
Get in touch
For further information and questions, please contact us.