Building Capacity 2026 - 2027

Please note that this programme is now at capacity for 2026/27 and will be available again in 2027/28

Building Capacity is a year-long professional learning programme designed to support senior leaders in addressing a key strategic priority from their School Development Plan, with a clear focus on improving classroom practice. Using an action research model, participants will lead change that directly enhances learning and teaching.

The module explores four interrelated themes:

  1. Developing an ethos of continuous improvement to drive meaningful change in classroom practice
  2. Conducting rigorous self-evaluation of classroom practice, including the use of quality assurance tools and the design of rubrics to identify strengths and priorities for development
  3. Applying research-informed strategies that have a measurable impact on pupil learning
  4. Drawing insights from international models of school improvement to inform local practice.

The programme includes three days of interactive, evidence-informed sessions, supported by ongoing coaching and mentoring to help participants implement and sustain meaningful change. Leaders will be encouraged to trial and refine strategies in real classroom settings, collaborate with peers, and design tools, such as rubrics, to evaluate impact. The final celebratory event offers a platform to showcase outcomes, share insights, and inspire wider school improvement through collective learning and reflection. Subject to funding, participants who complete Year 1 may have the opportunity to take part in an international study visit to observe and investigate effective school improvement practices first-hand.

The objectives for this module are to:

  • strengthen classroom practice through action‑research aligned to School Development Plan priorities. 
  • build a culture of continuous improvement supported by robust self‑evaluation. 
  • apply research‑informed strategies that demonstrably improve pupil learning. 
  • draw on international school‑improvement models to inform and enhance local practice.

Duration: 4 Day Programme with Coaching/Mentoring support throughout academic year 

Delivery: Centre based 

Building Capacity dates aer as follows:

Wednesday 7 October 2026
Wednesday 11 November 2026
Wednesday 20 January 2027
Wednesday 2 June 2027