[ Navigating leadership across diverse school contexts

Learning from Leaders in Different Contexts

One of the most powerful ways of learning is through the experience of others and taking part in new experiences. This programme is for Primary School Leaders who have been in the role for a while, who are ready to face outwards and learn from other leaders in different contexts and roles.

Developed in partnership with Noctua Alliance.
RKC
Learning from Leaders in Different Contexts
Key details
Suitable for
Primary HeadteachersSenior Leaders
When
Commencing 6th March 2026
Can’t make this date? Contact us to be notified of the next course date
Where
Red Kite Learning Trust, Harrogate
Price
£450
£400 for Red Kite Alliance members
  • Overview
  • Programme
  • Testimonial
  • Facilitators

This exciting and varied programme will allow you to explore the complexity of school leadership across the system, develop an understanding of different school sizes, demographics and contextual challenges, and explore how schools tailor approaches to the curriculum. A cohort of Primary Leaders from North and West Yorkshire will visit schools across both regions, hearing from other leaders in conferences, and take part in hands on workshops.

Day 1 - Conversations with Leaders'

6 March 2026, Red Kite Office, Harrogate

Educational leaders face wide-ranging expectations from diverse sources, and multiple accountabilities. Their role is critical to achieving and sustaining high-quality education for children and students. Leaders are expected to succeed in ways which satisfy learners, parents, governors, teachers and other staff, and, above all, to comply with the demands of government in hugely varying contexts and settings. On day one of the programme, you will hear from leaders in varied roles about how they lead and the challenges they face, will reflect on your own leadership and plan for your learning during this course.

Spring Term - School Visits

Participants will explore diverse approaches to leadership and team development, curriculum planning, and teaching and learning. These visits will provide invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by different schools, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of a school leader and offering practical strategies that can be applied within your own school.

Day 2 - Curriculum Conversations'

8 May 2026, Temple Learning Academy, Leeds

On the second face-to face day of the programme, ‘Curriculum Conversations’, leaders will share and reflect on the invaluable learning from their triad visits.

Summer Term - School Visits

Building on the visits to schools in the Spring Term and reflections on curriculum, the next element of the programme is intended to provide further experience of schools with a diverse range of contexts. Each leader within the triad will visit a different school from a group curated by the programme leaders, who have been chosen due to the unique nature of their context or setting. Visits will be planned so that participants are experiencing something new, thought-provoking or intriguing.

Day 3 - 'Championing Inclusion'

25 September 2026, Lighthouse School, Leeds

The final face-to-face day of the programme will be a celebration of your journey towards transformative leadership. Our themes will be inclusion and belonging – you will have the opportunity to learn in an inclusive environment from inspirational leaders who truly champion equality and embody the diversity of our educational system. This day promises to be a testament to the power of shared learning and the boundless potential we hold as leaders committed to making a meaningful impact.

The time to reflect and talk to other leaders was invaluable - I found every session inspiring and informative. The chance to visit other schools provided an opportunity that is often difficult to arrange by yourself and meeting new contacts made the job feel less lonely especially hearing other leaders are facing the same difficulties and being able to discuss solutions in a real way.
Learning from Leaders 2024-25 programme member
Kirsten Finley
[ Noctua Alliance
Kirsten Finley
Kirsten has over 30 years of teaching and leadership experience in primary education. Having taught in both inner-city Liverpool and Leeds and worked as a National Literacy Strategy Consultant, Kirsten has spent the last 18 years as both a Headteacher and director of the Leeds based primary learning alliance Noctua. This partnership has provided schools and teachers from the Leeds region and beyond access to high quality, school led CPD since 2014. Kirsten is also a National Leader of Education and has extensive experience as a School Improvement Advisor working with a range of schools across Leeds, Bradford and North Yorkshire. Kirsten’s own school has been consistently in the top 5th percentile nationally over the last 10 years and was recently named as one of the top ten state primary schools in Yorkshire.
Jonathan
[ Red Kite Learning Trust
Jonathan Timmis
Jonathan Timmis is Chief Operating Officer at Red Kite Learning Trust, where he leads operational strategy across the Trust’s 16 schools in North and West Yorkshire, driving innovation, resource optimisation and high-performance team development. He is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and has a strong commitment to mental health, wellbeing and resilience. Prior to this, he was COO at Astrea Academy Trust, overseeing operations for 27 schools through strategic planning, systems leadership and cross-functional collaboration. Jonathan previously served 29 years in the British Army, holding senior roles including Deputy Chief of Staff of the 1st (UK) Division and Regimental Commanding Officer in the 3rd (UK) Division.
Narinder
[ Inspiring Generations
Narinder Gill
Narinder Gill is an experienced education leader and certified executive coach with a career spanning schools, health and social care, and private business. As School Improvement Director for a Multi-Academy Trust, she drives strategies to improve outcomes and embed continuous improvement. Narinder has held national roles shaping education policy and brings expertise in tackling challenges such as teacher recruitment, attendance and rising additional needs. Passionate about education as a catalyst for social justice, she works to create resilient, collaborative communities where children thrive.

Other courses

Understanding Autism - Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
Understanding Autism - Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
Explore how to support the emotional wellbeing of autistic learners. This course will provide you with the skills to enhance your SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) practice in school with autistic learners.
Suitable forAll rolesAll phases
Lighthouse School
Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health Awareness
A half-day introductory course that builds understanding of mental health, reduces stigma, and develops confidence to support yourself and others.
Suitable forAll roles
RKC
The Neuroinclusive Leader
The Neuroinclusive Leader
Join us for this two day course focusing on a deep understanding of neurodiversity, its implications within educational settings, and practical strategies for fostering inclusion and support. The training is to equip school leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to create inclusive environments where neurodiverse, disadvantaged pupils and those pupils with social/ emotional/ behavioural challenges are able to thrive.
Suitable forAll phasesSenior LeadersHeadteachers
Proect Resilience