Developing Leaders

Leadership development for every stage of the journey

Great leadership strengthens teaching, shapes culture and creates the conditions in which staff and pupils can thrive. ESP helps British international schools develop confident, capable and reflective leaders through high-quality professional learning, recognised qualifications and personalised support designed for the international context.

From aspiring middle leaders to experienced Headteachers and Executive Leaders, our programmes provide a coherent pathway for colleagues at every stage of leadership.

Delivered with experienced school leaders, Department for Education-accredited providers and internationally recognised leadership experts, our programmes combine current evidence and professional challenge with practical application in participants’ own schools.

Develop the leaders within your school

The Middle Leader Development Programme supports current and aspiring middle leaders to strengthen their knowledge, confidence and impact.

Through expert-led online learning, personalised support and a live school improvement project, participants develop the practical skills required to lead colleagues, implement change, manage challenge and evaluate their impact.

The programme is suitable for subject and curriculum leaders, Heads of Department, Heads of Year, phase and key-stage leaders, pastoral leaders, and others responsible for leading a team, initiative or area of school improvement.

By investing in emerging leaders, schools can build leadership capacity, support succession planning and create a sustainable pipeline of future senior leaders.

Gain a nationally recognised leadership qualification

ESP works with Best Practice Network to give teachers and leaders in British international schools access to Department for Education-accredited National Professional Qualifications.

These flexible programmes combine independent study, expert-led learning, facilitated webinars, peer collaboration, coaching and practical application within participants’ schools.

Qualifications are available for colleagues leading teaching, teacher development, behaviour and culture, SEND and inclusion, as well as those preparing for senior leadership, Headship or Executive Leadership.

Through programmes grounded in evidence and contextualised for international education, participants can deepen their expertise and apply their learning directly to their role and school priorities.

Access personalised coaching and mentoring

Leadership can be both rewarding and demanding. ESP’s Coaching and Mentoring Service provides confidential, personalised support to help current and aspiring leaders navigate complex challenges, strengthen their practice and achieve their professional goals.

Each participant receives a structured programme of individual online sessions shaped around their role, context and priorities.

Coaching and mentoring can support leaders to:

  • Strengthen strategic thinking and decision-making

  • Improve communication, influence and team leadership

  • Lead change and school improvement

  • Address sensitive or emerging challenges

  • Build confidence and professional resilience

  • Establish sustainable habits of reflection and growth

The service is available to middle and senior leaders, Heads of Primary and Secondary, Deputy and Assistant Heads, Principals, Heads of School, and Executive or Regional Leaders.

Learn from internationally recognised leadership experts

ESP connects British international schools with influential thinkers and practitioners from education and beyond.

The Simon Sinek Leadership Series, delivered with Simon Sinek’s Optimism Company, explores how leaders can adopt an Infinite Mindset, create cultures in which colleagues feel safe and valued, and build trusting teams capable of thriving through challenge and change.

These live online programmes give leaders access to fresh perspectives and practical approaches that can strengthen purpose, trust, communication, collaboration and organisational culture.

Why schools choose ESP

Our leadership programmes are:

  • Designed for the realities of British international schools

  • Practical, current and evidence-informed

  • Delivered with credible leadership experts and accredited providers

  • Accessible internationally through flexible online delivery

  • Focused on applying learning to genuine school priorities

  • Suitable for aspiring, new and experienced leaders

  • Designed to strengthen leadership capacity and support sustainable school improvement

Schools can access individual programmes or work with ESP to create a coordinated development pathway for their leadership team.

Explore our leadership development programmes

  • The Simon Sinek Leadership Series

  • Coaching and Mentoring for School Leaders

  • Middle Leader Development Programme

  • NPQ in Leading Teaching

  • NPQ in Leading Teacher Development

  • NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture

  • NPQ for Senior Leadership

  • NPQ for SENCOs

  • NPQ for Headship

  • NPQ for Executive Leadership

Build leadership capacity across your school

Whether you want to prepare aspiring leaders, strengthen an established leadership team, support a Headteacher or provide access to a recognised professional qualification, ESP can help you create a coherent programme suited to your school.

Explore the individual programmes or contact us at info@espeducation.co.uk to discuss your requirements.