I think we can all agree that this has been an era like no other. Leaders have been exposed to, and stepped up into situations we could not have imagined. Somewhat bruised and battered, school leaders are emerging into the next phase, having had vastly varied experiences. The duty of care to our communities and staff teams have been more intense and burdensome than previously imaginable. So where does that leave us, our own ‘state’ and our learning and development as leaders?

At Big Education, we believe in an education of the head, heart and hand; a balance of academic and intellectual endeavour, self and social development, and practical learning and action. We think that matters for children, and we think it also matters for the adults and leaders in particular. 

The Big Leadership Adventure is a programme for leaders who want to develop a big education and work within the system to make that possible for every child. Our Leadership Reflection Wheel underpins our approach, intentionally working to support leaders to learn across those domains.

So, what does that look like? We have developed a framework to help articulate this – and to act as a reflection tool for leaders. Developed by Hannah Jepson, Founder of #LGBTed and business psychologist, our framework sets out a new way of thinking about our leadership.

You can access the full version here. 

We think this is a powerful tool for leaders to use to take stock, and to think about their priorities. We hope it is useful for colleagues widely across the system as a way to take some time out to stop and take stock. We warmly invite you to share it and use it with your teams. 

If you are interested in learning more about the leadership required for this work, join us on 10 June, 9 – 10.30 for a discussion on how we can use this moment to rethink and reshape our system for the better with;

• Sameena Choudry, Author of Equitable Education
• Beccy Earnshaw, Voice 21
• Gwyn ap Harri, XP School
• Frank Norris MBE, The Co-op Group’s adviser on education and skills currently seconded to the Northern Powerhouse Partnership
• Liz Robinson, Big Education
• Elena Wilson, Edge Foundation
• Chris Zarraga, Schools North East

In collaboration with Schools North East and Rethinking Assessment – Register here

Applications are also open for the Big Leadership Adventure, closing at midnight on 14 June. Change is hard and we know that leadership is the only way it will happen.