School and FE leaders’ service
Do you want to take time to pause, reflect and reconnect with your sense of purpose?
Find out more about our fully funded professional supervision for school and FE college leaders in England below.
Go direct to apply here: School leaders | FE college leaders
The whole process was transformational. I feel almost put back on my feet, on steady ground, with a bag of tools, to help me when things become challenging. I am very grateful for the opportunity and my supervisor.School leader
Our professional supervision gives you space to think and reflect, to discuss who you are, how you are, what’s going on for you at work and your wellbeing.
Professional supervision focuses on your role as a leader within education. You can bring any concerns you have about school or college culture, team dynamics, staff members, students or yourself, and share them with a qualified and experienced supervisor.
Your supervisor will help you gain greater self-awareness, think more clearly and develop new coping strategies so you feel more connected to your purpose in providing the best education to children and young people. Leaders that have been supported so far have also reported improvements in their own mental health and wellbeing.
Your supervisor will work with you over six fully funded one-to-one sessions online, which are completely confidential. Ahead of your six sessions, your supervisor will talk you through what to expect and how you’ll work together.
If you need it, you can access counselling, delivered by qualified BACP accredited counsellors.
Watch our video to find out more about professional supervision.
School leaders
Headteachers/Deputy heads/Assistant heads/MAT CEOs/MAT Deputy CEOs in England:
- This service is for headteachers, deputy headteachers, assistant headteachers, MAT CEOs and MAT Deputy CEOs based in state funded primary or secondary schools.
- You must be able to commit to attending six sessions of professional supervision (one hour per session, approximately once every three to four weeks) during the working day
- This service is funded by the Department for Education
- If you work in Wales you can access our service for Welsh leaders - Professional Supervision: Leaders and Line Managers
Please note that there is currently a waiting time of approximately 6-8 weeks.
Please only apply on behalf of yourself. Forward the link on to any colleague who might benefit so they can apply themselves.
Further education leaders
Principals CEOs / deputy principals and deputy CEOs / senior leaders reporting directly to the principal / CEO in England:
- This service is for Principals and CEOs, vice / deputy / assistant Principals and CEOs and senior leaders reporting directly to the Principal / CEO) in statutory FE colleges (General FE Colleges, Sixth Form Colleges, Designated Institutions (legally recognised under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992) and 16 – 19 Academies)
- You must be able to commit to attending six sessions of professional supervision (one hour per session, approximately once every three to four weeks) during the working day
- This service is funded by the Department for Education
"I found every session beneficial and has helped to reduce anxiety and find a more positive approach to this complex leadership role."FE college leader
95%
of participants felt more supported
98%
of participants said they would recommend the service to a friend or colleague
FAQs
What happens when I apply?
We will look over your application to ensure you are eligible.
We will then process your application and you will receive acknowledgement of your application.
Your supervisor will then arrange to speak to you and will explain the supervision process, answer any questions you might have and arrange your first session.
I have accessed professional supervision previously, can I apply again?
Yes. We have secured new funding from the Department for Education and are able to offer the service to people who have previously taken part. When you apply you will be able to request to work with the supervisor you previously worked with if you would like to.
Does it cost to participate?
No, these services are completely free of charge and are provided with funding by the Department for Education.
Who will I be talking to?
You will be contacted by a member of the Education Support supervision team who will explain next steps and what to expect.
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and will arrange your first session at a convenient time for you (this will be during working hours or early evening). You will have the same supervisor throughout your six supervision sessions. Supervision sessions will be held online.
Is it completely confidential?
Yes. We’ll only break confidentiality if:
• there’s a risk to your own health and safety, or to that of others; or
• if you’ve been involved in a crime
What if I need to rearrange a session?
You will be given contact details if you need to rearrange a session. It is really important that you do this with as much notice as possible if you do need to rearrange, as we won’t be able to reschedule a session with less than 24 hours’ notice.
With thanks to renewed funding from the Department for Education we are delighted to be able to continue to offer this service until 2027.
Thanks to funding from Welsh Government we are able to offer school leaders and line managers access to fully funded one to one professional supervision.
