ASCL Professional Development News

First-class CPD, leadership and career development

21 May 2026

Dear colleague

This week feels like a significant one for ASCL Professional Development and one that reflects something we have been working towards for a while. 

We have just launched the Sixth Form Leadership Essentials Programme. Brand new, designed from the ground up, and built on something straightforward: listening. Conversations with Claire Green, ASCL's Post-16 and Skills Specialist, and the discussions that have shaped our Sixth Form Advisory Group kept returning to the same gap. Heads of sixth form carry one of the most complex leadership roles in education, destinations data, qualification reform, curriculum coherence, Ofsted scrutiny, mental health, funding compliance and yet the professional development infrastructure that exists for other leaders has simply not kept pace with post-16 leadership.  

The research evidence is unambiguous that sustained, collaborative, practice-based professional development produces lasting change. A single conference cannot do that work. A full year of structured support, built around the real shape of the role, can. Claire has designed exactly that, pulling in experienced post-16 leaders and expert practitioners throughout the year, from September 2026 to July 2027. 

It is not the only programme we are excited about. The Trust Executive Leadership Programme has also had a significant refresh for 2026–27 - new framework, new research base, new cross-cutting strands. Updated programme information will be available very soon. If you lead a trust or are working towards that role, watch this space.

Best wishes 

YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ASCL PD is a leading provider of CPD and leadership development for school, college and trust leaders and aspiring senior leaders across the UK. View our full events calendar for all your CPD needs.

Upcoming events designed for you

Following the DfE’s Schools White Paper and SEND consultation outcomes, the SEND Leadership Summit provides a timely forum to hear from peers, and reflect on what these changes mean in practice. The keynote and workshop sessions will be run by those at the forefront of driving change for SEND and will allow time for activities and reflection. 

ASCL members are entitled to a discount. Simply register free for the Tes SEND Show and then add the Summit to your basket using the discount code on our website.

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