The Online School Leadership Course: Managing People and Leading Change in School (without burning out!)

School Leadership Course – Course Aim

This school leadership course is designed to support aspiring, middle and senior school leaders who want to strengthen their leadership, improve wellbeing and make a meaningful impact in their school. Through five interactive online training sessions, you will develop essential school leadership and management skills that help you lead confidently and sustainably.

In an educational climate where teachers and leaders are leaving the profession in increasing numbers, this course focuses on five core areas of leadership that can transform your experience of the role. Experienced school leader and trainer Peter Radford will guide you through practical strategies, pitfalls to avoid and habits that promote effective, energising leadership.

The Benefits of Strong School Leadership lead to:

• Improved teacher retention and staff wellbeing

• Better teaching quality and student attendance

• Reduced recruitment costs and cover requirements

• Improved student behaviour and outcomes

What You Will Learn on This School Leadership Course:

22.01.2026:  Leading & Growing Effective Teams: Learn the essential elements of building, developing and motivating a successful school team.

05.02.2026:  Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: Strengthen communication, develop self-awareness and manage relationships in high-pressure environments.

26.02.2026:  Motivation & Accountability: Discover how to get — and keep — the best out of people through clear expectations, coaching and positive accountability.

12.03.2026:  People-Centred Leadership: Explore leadership structures, models and approaches that promote collaboration and whole-school impact.

26.03.2026:  Staying Balanced and Well as a Leader: Learn how to avoid burnout, stay grounded and model sustainable, healthy leadership.

How This School Leadership Course Works:

Participants attend all five sessions on Thursdays from 4:00–5:45pm via Zoom. Each session includes training, discussion, reflection and application to real school scenarios.

Between sessions, you will complete short, practical tasks and a brief online assessment that supports deeper learning and personal reflection.

If a participant misses a session, a time-limited recording will be available, although attendees must join at least three live sessions and complete all assessments to receive certification.

Course Fees are £395 + VAT per person

Please feel free to share this school leadership course with your colleagues, or indeed anyone who may be interested.  Colleagues who have previously attended two courses with Olive Branch Consultancy will be automatically entitled to a 10% loyalty discount.  We will apply this for you at the time of booking.

If you would like to receive a copy of the full programme, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will email you a PDF copy.  This will show more detail of what will be covered in each session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this online school leadership course about?

This school leadership course helps aspiring, middle and senior leaders develop practical leadership and management skills. Through five online sessions, you will learn how to lead teams effectively, improve staff wellbeing, and create a positive impact across your school.

Who is this course suitable for?

The course is ideal for teachers, middle leaders, senior leaders, pastoral staff and anyone either preparing for or in an existing leadership role in education.

Do I need to attend all five sessions live?

You should attend at least three live sessions to receive certification. If you miss a session, you will receive a time-limited recording to catch up.

Is this school leadership course delivered online?

Yes. All five sessions take place online via Zoom, making it accessible to school leaders across the UK and beyond.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who attend at least three live sessions (plus watch the other two recordings), and complete the assessments will receive a certificate of completion.

How much does the course cost?

The full course fee is £395 + VAT per person.

Who delivers the training?

The course is delivered by experienced leader and trainer Peter Radford, who brings extensive expertise in school improvement, staff development and leadership coaching.