*How* does the programme work?
FA(&EA)Qs
Since launching the West100 School Leadership Programme last month, we’ve had some really fun and energising conversations with school leaders doing great stuff across the West Country—all curious to hear a little bit more about the programme and to explore whether it’s right for them (right now).
Some of those questions have been easy to answer. Not always quickly, mind you, but relatively straightforward nonetheless.
Here are the 5 Most Frequently Asked (and Easily Answered) Questions 👇
⏱️ This all sounds great but how much time does it take up? And, how much time will I spend away from my school?
The West100 is an intensive development programme. It’s important we’re upfront about that.
It’s intensive because it’s important. And it’s intensive because you school leaders are amongst the busiest people in the country; you’re all doing a few jobs at once and none of those jobs are easy!
We know that educational inequality is a complex issue. And while we don’t know exactly what is going eliminate it at a systemic level, just yet, we do know exactly how to get there.
Complex issues are shared challenges impervious to lone interventions; the only way to solve them is by getting expert practitioners (like yourself) to explore emergent solutions (from around the world) through meaningful collaboration (on the ground). It’s a team sport.
But the conditions for proper collaboration have to be fought for. Collaboration sounds simple—but simple isn’t (always!) easy. With the best will in the world, it doesn’t just happen. Not only is meaningful collaboration (between very busy people) challenging but it’s also contingent upon a foundational layer of strong, trusting relationships.
And relationships need time and shared experiences to develop.
On the programme, we take that time. We take the time and make the space to do the stuff we know is important but seldom feels urgent—i.e. establishing and embedding these relationships, and building shared knowledge and understanding.
We acknowledge that’s a bolshie move because we know how precious time is to both you and your schools.
So when we’ve got you, we work incredibly hard to ensure that these moments together are meaningful—i.e. we curate experiences that:
are totally different to and elevated beyond everyday ones;
create insight; and,
connect us with one another and our shared challenge.
In pure numbers terms, across the year, we’re looking at:
13 full days out and away from your school (all during term time);
~9 hours of (evening) webinars (after the school day); and,
~12 hours of pre-recorded video content to watch (whenever’s convenient for you).
It’s a lot of time, and it’s not easy work, but that’s one of the things Anna from SW100/2 has valued most about the experience 📺
And it’s not distributed equally—it’s a little lumpy and front-heavy! Here’s how it breaks down term-by-term 👇
🧑💼 Do I have to be a Deputy Head to apply?
Nope.
Nor do you have to work in a big/secondary school either. Here’s Jon’s view on the importance of primary school leaders within the programme 📺
🤨 What is the eligibility criteria then?
Our first cohort of West100ers will be a small but mighty crew of ~20 aspiring school leaders committed to centring the experience of ‘disadvantaged children’—ready and willing to, as Dr Dan Nicholls says, ‘privilege disadvantage in everything that we do’.
That’s the big one. We’re looking for people who:
✅ Want to lead a school of their own within the next ~5 years;
✅ Can provide evidence of leading improved progress at their school/s—especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds;
✅ Possess the humility to learn from and alongside others by sharing their own learning honestly and fully;
✅ Are committed to developing strong relationships and playing an active role in a purpose-driven network of school leaders across the region;
✅ Believe that closing the disadvantage gap is possible.
🙋 Ok… But what if loads of brilliant Deputy Heads apply?
That would be great! But it doesn’t mean they’ll all get on the course at the same time because we truly believe that every cohort is strengthened by the diversity of experiences, expertise, leadership roles, personalities, mindsets, outlooks, and educational philosophies within it.
Krisha from SW100/2 agrees too 📺
💷 And, finally, how much does it cost?
And that covers most things.
For instance, that includes all food and accommodation during our residentials, conferences and school visits—and half-termly leadership coaching too.
We hope that’s helpful.
If you’re ready to apply, you’ve got until Monday the 5th June, 10am to do so. You’ll find the short(ish) application form here.
If you’ve got any questions, please drop us an email at West100@reachfoundation.org.uk or arrange a call here.
Best wishes,
Sam & the whole West100 team 🙏