Successful Timetable Construction

"Excellent resources and real-life examples used to help understand how to plan, construct and deliver a successful timetable." (Delegate, 2025)

This event will provide essential knowledge, skills and resources to all those in the secondary sector who have responsibility to construct or manage the construction of their institution’s timetable.

It looks at the key components of a successful timetable construction process and how these components are put together to fully harness the available resources and maximise student progress and outcomes. It aims to provide delegates with practical solutions that are tailored for their specific context.

It does not seek to focus on any one single construction method or piece of timetable software but looks to provide delegates with a broad vision of what is possible within both the art and science of timetable construction.

The Autumn 2025 curriculum review and new Ofsted Framework will help to set the curriculum direction for 2026-27 and we will examine how these may impact your school.

Delegates are requested to bring some of their current 2025-26 timetable data and planning ideas for the 2026-27 academic year. There will also be some optional pre-course work. Details will be provided with joining instructions.

Further resources
ASCL Professional Development also offers bespoke timetable construction support through our Tailor-Made Service. 

Alternative dates
4 December | London
Speaker
speaker thumbnail
Stuart Hodgkinson

CEO, Proficio Education

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09:15       Registration and refreshments
         
09:40       Welcome and introductions
         
09:45       Introduction: Timetable Construction Fundamentals
This short introductory session looks at the basics of how a timetable is constructed. Timetable language, process and pitfalls are introduced.
         
10:00      

Session 1: Successful Timetable Construction: Student Learning
Student learning, progress and outcomes are the heartbeat of every school. This session looks at the key impact that timetable construction has on these. We will examine the following:

  • Timetable design and modelling
  • Curriculum delivery
  • Student organisation
  • Contextualisation
  • Curriculum developments for September 2026
11:00       Refreshment break
         
11:15       Session 2: Successful Timetable Construction: Resource Management
The timetable constructor typically deploys 50%-60% of a school’s resources. This session explores how this can be done affordably, effectively and efficiently. Topics include:
  • Timetable measures of affordability and efficiency
  • Teacher deployment planning
  • Part time teacher management
  • Maximising available accommodation
         
12:15       Session 3: Successful Timetable Construction: Timetable Delivery
A timetable must deliver the plans and priorities of the institution it serves. This session will provide practical tools and methods to ensure this occurs. These include:
  • Combing and blocking analysis
  • Clash tables
  • Prioritisation and the art of compromise
         
13:00      

 Lunch

         
13:40      

Session 4: Successful Timetable Construction: Your Home School
In this session we will focus on your home school and look to produce an action plan to ensure a successful timetable construction for September 2026. You will critically examine your current 25-26 timetable, plans for 26-27 and look to enhance them.

         
14:40       Refreshment break
         
14:45      

Session 5: Successful Timetable Construction: The Construction Process
This final session looks at the importance of the timetable construction process to deliver a successful outcome, and what the timetable constructor should do and when. 

         
15:20      

Plenary: Learning and actions

         
15:30        Depart
         

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