On Wednesday 27th November 2019, Preston Teaching School Alliance was delighted to welcome teachers from across Lancashire to Barton Grange Hotel for the Inspiring Future Leaders Conference.

The conference was created especially for teachers considering the next step in senior leadership, with workshops delivered by serving Headteachers.

Following a welcome and introduction from Chris Morris, Headteacher at Broughton High School, and Ian Baybutt, Acting Deputy Headteacher at Archbishop Temple School, delegates listened to guest speaker David Fann, a highly experienced Headteacher, a National Leader of Education and an Ofsted Inspector. He spoke to delegates about the role of middle leaders in the new Inspection Framework.

After a short break, Ben Corbett, Headteacher at Moor Park High School and Sixth Form, led an hour long session looking at the ‘Six Secrets of Change: How to Use them in a School Context’.

Following this, delegates from secondary schools gained an insight into school finance led by Janet Englishby, School Business Manager at Broughton High School, whilst delegates from primary schools gained an insight into school finance led by Lindsay Timms, Headteacher at Cottam Primary School.

After a delicious lunch, Matt Eastham Headteacher at Penwortham Priory Academy led a session on ‘Exploring Leadership. Leading People: Challenge and Support’.

The final session led by Headteachers Jane Green, Headteacher at Longridge High School, and Amanda Gregory, Headteacher at Harris Primary School, focussed on ‘Dealing with Challenging People’.

Preston Teaching School Alliance would like to thank all of the Headteachers who dedicated their time to plan and deliver the sessions. Feedback from the conference was resoundingly positive, with many delegates rating the sessions as ‘excellent’. Delegates found listening to serving Headteachers and their wealth of experience invaluable. Comments included,

‘Brilliant sessions, handout and practical’

‘Ideas to help me develop in my first term as a middle leader. Priorities for development of the faculty’

‘Excellent day. Thank you.’

‘Got me thinking about my leadership style again…’

‘Lots of useful ideas for the future.’

‘It provided a very useful insight into Senior Leadership with some good strategies on how to be clear/manage situations.’

‘Engaging presenters, great information and reading suggestions. Great day & food was excellent.’