Principal Group Coaching

What’s it all about?

As a former Principal I am acutely aware of the challenges of leading a school and over the last few years I’ve had the privilege of coaching a large number of our local school leaders 1-1 and the impact has been significant.

I believe that a group coaching model could provide school leaders with much needed time to be encouraged, be inspired and be stretched in a safe and supportive environment.

Over my many years in headship some of the best advice, support and encouragement I received was from fellow heads and this ‘Heads Together NI’ group coaching model aims to deliver just that. Throughout each session there will be opportunities to discuss and consider the challenges and opportunities we face in headship. As Principals we need to seriously consider how we can be the best possible version of ourselves and maintain this in spite of the never-ending list of budget cuts, industrial action and shortcomings at a system level to name but a few.

Aims of the Group Coaching

  • Be Encouraged

    In the morning session you will have the opportunity to share success stories where you have had a positive impact on your schooI community. It is vital that you, as Principal, have the opportunity to acknowledge ‘what’s going well’ and recognise your contribution to that.

  • Be Inspired

    In the mid-morning session you will have the opportunity in smaller groups to share a current challenge that you face as a Principal and the ‘group’ members will share ideas from their experiences that will help you work towards possible actions you can take to move your issue forward.

  • Be Stretched

    In the afternoon session either in pairs or in triplets you will have the opportunity to ‘peer coach’ a fellow Principal on a topic of professional development. The aim of this activity is to help you stretch a fellow Principal to develop their own professional skills back in school.

What the participants have said:

  • "Having the time to meet, interact and chat with other school principals in a smaller supportive, confidential and understanding environment was one of the most beneficial sessions I have had as a new school principal"’

    L Halliday Head of Prep at Regent House School

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was both productive and valuable getting the opportunity to meet with fellow principals and being able to share both the challenges and of course the positives that come with our role in school!"

    J Logan Principal of Bushmills PS

  • "The course was excellent: it gave the opportunity for personal professional reflection, support for things we find difficult and challenge to step (a little!) out of our comfort zones in our leadership roles."

    A Galbraith Principal of Ballinderry PS

  • "Getting together with like minded colleagues was really beneficial to me. To talk freely in a confidential setting and receive feedback and support was really encouraging. To also have the opportunity to listen to other headteachers outline issues they had encountered and successes they had experienced helped me grow in confidence and also knowledge."

    N Sayers Principal of Knockbreda PS

“I believe we each walk our paths so we can learn and share those lessons with others. ”
— Cynthia E. Mazzaferro.

Our Next VP/Senior Leader

Group Coaching Day

Wednesday 22nd January 2025

Corr’s Corner Hotel Belfast

9:30am to 3:30pm

Cost: £99 per person to include refreshments and lunch

Payment can be made via standard EA Purchase Order or by cheque or electronic transfer

Register your place by completing the MS Form via the button below: