What is professional supervision?
It’s not coaching or therapy – but what actually is professional supervision?
Articles / 9 mins read

Leading a school or college comes with incredible rewards, but it also brings challenges that can feel overwhelming. Education Support’s Professional Supervision service provides a confidential and structured space for leaders to reflect on the emotional demands of their roles. It helps leaders to navigate difficult situations while, crucially, staying connected to their purpose.
Professional Supervision is a new concept in education but is well embedded with therapists and social workers. Sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space where leaders can explore the complexities of their work. Whether it’s the pressure of leadership, team dynamics, or personal wellbeing, supervision offers structured support that can make a real difference. We provide 6, 1-hour, online sessions over 6 months with a fully qualified supervisor who understands the education sector.
The sessions helped me to reflect on my role. Identifying the challenges, celebrating the successes, and acknowledging the importance of maintaining positive mental health in order to fulfil my role effectively.
The impact of supervision is clear. Leaders who have accessed the service report feeling better equipped to manage stress, maintain their sense of purpose, and navigate difficult situations with greater confidence. The vast majority find supervision helpful, would recommend it to a colleague, and feel both heard and challenged to think differently about their approach.
This service is fully funded, ensuring that school and college leaders can access the support they need without financial barriers. If you’re facing the pressures of leadership and need space to reflect, process, and grow, professional supervision could be the key to feeling more supported and resilient in your role.
Unlike counselling, I found it refreshing that the supervisor was prepared to offer strategies or practice gratitude; another was to consciously challenge the negative narrative I have set for myself.
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Our service provides emotional and practical support that helps you and your colleagues thrive at work.

Fully funded professional supervision for school and FE college leaders in England and Wales.
