Headteacher Essentials Programme

Empowering new headteachers to lead with confidence from day one

The ASCL Headteacher Essentials Programme is designed specifically to complement the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), equipping new headteachers in England with the practical tools and insights they need to succeed in this ever-evolving environment.

This programme goes beyond theoretical frameworks and addresses real-life challenges that school leaders face daily, from managing staff and parental relationships to fostering an inclusive, ethical leadership culture in challenging times. 

Programme highlights
The programme starts with a face-to-face day at ASCL’s headquarters in Leicester and is followed by eight, online twilight sessions of between 60–90 minutes .

Cohort 2 is due to start in July 2025. If you would like more information about applying to join future cohorts of our Headteacher Essentials Programme, please register your interest.

Register your interest

Sessions cover the following essential topics that will shape your success as a headteacher:
 

Explore your purpose as a headteacher and the critical importance of aligning your leadership behaviours with the values of your school community.

Learn to develop and communicate a compelling vision that drives your school forward and fosters stakeholder buy-in.

Gain practical strategies for managing complex relationships with parents, including communication techniques and managing major incidents.

Build a robust communication plan for both internal and external stakeholders, including mastering social media and crisis communication.

Tackle one of the toughest aspects of leadership - managing underperformance - with clear processes that balance support and accountability.

Explore sustainable wellbeing strategies for both you and your staff, ensuring balance amid the pressures of school leadership.

Discover innovative strategies for attracting and retaining staff in the current educational climate.

Strengthen your school's ties to the community and understand the value of civic responsibility for long-term school success.

Gain practical insights into business development and risk management, enabling you to enhance IT, site, HR, and finance infrastructure to support school improvement.

Enhance your time management skills, delegate effectively, and make more efficient decisions, particularly in non-educational scenarios.

£799 + VAT for members.
£899 + VAT for non-members.

This programme is suitable for new headteachers and heads of school. 

  • Designed for new headteachers based in England.  
  • Focused on the specific challenges of leading schools in England.
  • Led and delivered by experienced school leaders, headteachers, and executive leaders who understand the practical realities of school leadership today.
  • Interactive and practical. 
  • Each session is designed to be highly interactive, providing real-world scenarios, discussions, and tools that can be immediately applied.