Being an Effective Subject Leader

What makes an effective subject leader? What skills of leadership are needed? In this series, Colin helps leaders understand what they will need

Wednesday 11th November 2026 4 to 5.30pm: Session 1 – Vision & clarity

In this session we explore how you develop a purpose and vision for your subject. As leaders we have to start with this as our ‘why’ shapes the ‘what’ that we do. In this session, Colin will help you with practical steps on how to shape your vision that can drive your curriculum.

Monday 1st February 2027 4 to 5.30pm: Session 2 – Strategy: Skate, Flow and Dig and 6P Planning

Once you know your purpose, you need clarity on the position you are in, in order to help you plan for change. This session helps you understand 3 key steps of ‘Skate, Flow and Dig’ that can help you do this and then understand the 6P planning for improvement principle.

Monday 26th April 2027 4 to 5.30pm: Session 3 – Leading and Communicating for change

Change can be concerning for many, but as a leader we need to understand the principles that help change to be successful in order to manage and lead change effectively. In this session we explore some key models and checklist that will help you lead and communicate change effectively

Wednesday 9th June 2027 4 to 5.30pm: Session 4 – Lead a team

Leaders effect change and they do that with people. Having the ability to manage change needs to be done with people. Working as a team is key to that and we will use models like Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team to avoid your team becoming that and ensuring you lead people to effective change.

2026-27

• Wednesday 11th November 2026 4 to 5.30pm
• Monday 1st February 2027 4 to 5.30pm
• Monday 26th April 2027 4 to 5.30pm
• Wednesday 9th June 2027 4 to 5.30pm

"The sessions were very interesting and useful. Colin was excellent at adjusting things on the fly to link to our specific needs. I have already used several of his suggestions and am looking forward to properly getting my head round it all so that I can start the year strongly leading my various areas next academic year."

"I felt really inspired and the session has really helped with my confidence to now make a start with some essential curriculum changes due to the clear tools and resources provided, alongside the excellent delivery and explanations by Collin. Thank you so much."

"As any kind of leader, we need to implement changes and this felt like a really useful, almost step-by-step, plan as to how to do this effectively and professionally - but also kindly. Very helpful to understand and anticipate reactions and issues we might face - especially for me as a very new leader."

Colin runs Everyday Leader, that established in 2017, that has empowerment at the heart of what it does. Prior to that, Colin spent 17 years as a headteacher in Hertfordshire and Suffolk, amalgamating a school in his first headship and then working with schools in challenging contexts. Colin supports school leaders through one-to-one coaching and training. He has an expertise in communication, staff development, engagement of communities and managing challenging conversations. His coaching work has also developed impactful work on managing and overcoming anxiety. Colin works with school leaders and teachers across Suffolk, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Sussex. Colin’s face to face training involves engaging game as metaphor for learning and his online training brings insightful principles from proven leadership and change models wider than just education. Through all of this, Colin ensures that he is inspiring, equipping and empowering participants.