Dear colleagues
We know from research that professional development works best when it's iterative and sustained – when leaders and teachers have time to apply learning, reflect on what's working, adjust their approach, and deepen their understanding over time. Yet so often, PD in schools is still delivered as isolated events. We attend, we're inspired, but without sustained support and opportunities to embed that learning, the impact can be limited.
This is particularly true when it comes to leading disadvantaged provision. It's such a complex area of leadership, requiring not just understanding of research and policy, but also the practical wisdom of knowing what works in your context, how to measure impact, and crucially – what to stop doing.
That's why we've designed our new Leading Effective Disadvantaged Provision programmes as sustained learning journeys. Marc Rowland, who has helped over a thousand schools improve their disadvantaged provision, will work with you across three sessions – one face-to-face at ASCL HQ and two online – with time between to apply learning, complete evaluation tasks, and strengthen your strategic planning. With places limited to just 25 participants per cohort, Marc can even review your pupil premium strategy and provide personal feedback. The programme for secondary leaders starts 5 March, and for primary leaders on 14 May.This is professional development designed for genuine implementation.
If you want to go deeper still, we're offering programme participants a special rate to attend our Conference on Addressing Disadvantage in Education in London on 28 April. Here you'll hear Marc alongside other expert practitioners who will help you understand the political landscape, policy changes, and the new inspection framework through a disadvantage inclusion lens. You'll explore the lived experience of pupils, see how other schools have reduced the gap through effective transition, and gain clarity on prioritising intervention strategies.
This combination of sustained programme learning and the broader conference perspective gives you the best of both worlds – deep implementation support and wider strategic insight. That's when professional development becomes truly transformative.
Best wishes
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.
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