Catholic Education is a strength in the Archdiocese of Southwark, and we are immensely proud of our schools. It is essential in maintaining high standards in our schools that we are forward-thinking and proactive with succession planning.
As part of our service to schools, we lead an Aspiring Leaders Programme which supports strong school leaders to develop their understanding and confidence so they will be ready to take up the post of headteacher or deputy headteacher when it is advertised. The programme involves not only developing understanding of what it means to be a headteacher in a Catholic school but also supports potential candidates in making sure they are prepared and confident when applying for jobs.
The Aspiring Leadership Programme comprises of three full day sessions plus an opportunity to shadow an existing strong headteacher.
This course runs three times in the year. The dates for sessions in the autumn term in the 2025/26 academic year are:
Spring 2026
Aspiring Leaders – Cohort B – Session 1
Tuesday 13th January 2026 9.30am-4pm. Education Service, Orpington BR5 2SR
For: Prospective Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers
Aspiring Leaders – Cohort B – Session 2
Thursday 29th January 2026 9.30-4pm. Education Service, Orpington BR5 2SR
For: Prospective Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers
Aspiring Leaders – Cohort B – Session 3
Tuesday 3rd March 2026 9.30-4pm. Education Service, Orpington BR5 2SR
For: Prospective Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers