ASCL Professional Development News

First-class CPD, leadership and career development

5 March 2026

Dear colleague

"The most valuable 'currency' of any organisation is the initiative and creativity of its members. Every leader has the solemn moral responsibility to develop these to the maximum in all his people." - W. Edwards Deming 

When we talk about professional development in schools and colleges, the conversation typically centres on teachers and senior leaders. However, effective professional development needs to reach everyone in your organisation and crucially, it needs to be tailored to the specific demands of different roles. 

Research consistently shows that one-size-fits-all approaches don't work. Business leaders grappling with funding pressures, employment legislation, and strategic financial planning need something quite distinct from what works for classroom teachers. Yet business leaders are often overlooked in professional development planning, even though the DfE recognises their role, "is continuously evolving" and requires, "resilience and adaptability.” 

This is exactly why we've designed our Business Leader Roadshows specifically for their role and context. On 24 June in Birmingham and 1 July in Cardiff, these full-day events bring together the policy insights, practical strategies, and personal resilience tools business leaders actually need. The England event addresses SSSNB pay negotiations and the Employment Rights Bill. The Wales event focuses on the Welsh Government's ISBL pilot and implications of the May elections. 

Both roadshows go beyond policy updates to include strategic financial planning, wellbeing (drawing on Education Mutual's Business Leader Wellbeing Index), and insights from Nathan Hines, former British and Irish Lions rugby player, on leadership and resilience under pressure. There's also dedicated networking time with fellow business leaders who understand your specific challenges. 

As one delegate said last year, "This was easily the most positive, relevant and informative SBL event I have attended in my 18-year career - I came away feeling inspired and motivated." 

When we invest in professional development for all colleagues tailored to their specific roles, everyone benefits.

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

ASCL Annual Conference 2026

13-14 March | Liverpool

With only a few days to go until ASCL Annual Conference, now is the perfect time to secure your place and take advantage of this valuable CPD opportunity.  Across the programme, you’ll hear from influential speakers, gain practical insights, and take part in discussions designed to support your leadership and professional development. You will also get the opportunity to attend the DfE's Schools White Paper Surgeries. These sessions are an opportunity for delegates to give feedback directly to DfE officials and ask questions.

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