"The Launch event was the most inspiring CPD I have taken part in, certainly since becoming a teacher. I think my school was quite taken aback by how enthused and excited I was by the future following the event."
Craig Lilleyman, Rosetta Primary School
What is Getting Ahead London?
Getting Ahead London is a Challenge Partners programme funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) that is now in its fourth year. The aim is to provide aspiring London teachers with the skills, experience, networks and knowledge to take the next step in their career or progress to senior leadership and headship
Please contact us if you are interested in running a version of this programme in your area.
The support offered as part of the programme includes:
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Coaching from highly experienced London heads to help participants fulfil their leadership potential
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Help to navigate existing leadership opportunities
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Face to face leadership development and networking events with world-class businesses
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Online tools and resources to support your development.
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Support with applying for jobs and preparing for interviews.
Who is it for?
There are two GAL programmes, one for aspiring Senior Leaders and one for aspiring Headteachers.
If you would like to take part in the aspiring Senior Leader programme, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be a current Middle Leader in a school in London. Examples of eligible roles are Year Group leader, Subject Leader, Inclusion Lead etc.
- You must have at least 2 years in this role.
If you would like to take part in the aspiring Headteacher programme you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be a current Senior Leader in a school in London. Examples of eligible roles are Assistant Head, Deputy Head, Head of School, Acting Head.
- You must have at least 2 years experience in this role.
What is the commitment?
For both programmes, you and your school will need to commit to:
- You attending 10 days/half days of events and coaching sessions throughout the academic year. (Travel across and within London will be expected for these coaching sessions and events)
- Paying a supplement of £500 towards the GLA funded programme
How do I participate in the programme?
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS - MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER
- Please click here and submit your application before midnight on Sunday 20th September.
- Once you have submitted your application please inform your three references that they will need to complete an online reference form (www.tfaforms.com/4813772) Please regularly remind your references to complete this form
- Your application will be considered complete only once both your application form and your three references have been received. We will then arrange a telephone interview with you. This will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
- Please click here and submit your application before midnight on Sunday 20th September.
- Once you have submitted your application please inform your three references that they will need to complete an online reference form (www.tfaforms.com/4813774). Please regularly remind your references to complete this form
- Your application will be considered complete only once both your application form and your three references have been received. We will then arrange a telephone interview with you. This will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
How do I become a coach on the programme?
- Working with three participants in a coaching group, holding six group coaching sessions and three individual shadowing days
- Attending a launch event, mid-year event and end of year celebration with their participants
- Attending a development day and two reflection and planning sessions for coaches
- Coaching training from Olevi - you will need to attend both training dates in Autumn term
- The equivalent of 2 full days CPD with input from within and beyond the education sector (one full day and two half days)
- A stipend of £1,500 for your school
- Currently working in a school rated good or outstanding by Ofsted
- Currently working in a London school as a senior leader:
- Have held a senior leadership position for a minimum of three years
- Able to demonstrate experience of supporting others to develop in their leadership journey
- Able to demonstrate you have your headteacher support through filling out the coach headteacher supporting document, available here. (https://www.tfaforms.com/4813741)
- Currently working in a school rated good or outstanding by Ofsted
- Currently working in a London school as a headteacher
- Have held a headship position for a minimum of three years
- Able to demonstrate experience of supporting others to develop in their leadership journey
How do you measure impact?
During the pilot year, 2016-17, we commissioned an external evaluation of the programme. The full report is available here.
Resources for Getting Ahead London participants
We have a reference bank of resources available to Getting Ahead London participants and alumni. Just register and log into the Challenge Partners' website and click here
Promoting the programme