Senior Leadership Ready! for Primary Phase 2026-27 (at Crabtree)

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Alban Education in collaboration with Ivy Learning Trust are delighted to offer a Primary specific cohort of our established Senior Leadership Ready programme this year with four sessions providing essential skills for outstanding senior leadership.  This primary focus will allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting.

This will consist of 4 twilight sessions which will take place from 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Crabtree Junior School in Harpenden on the following dates:

Session 1: Friday 25th September 2026
Session 2: Tuesday 8th December 2026
Session 3: Wednesday 10th February 2027
Session 4: Friday 19th March 2027

A minimum of 75% attendance is required in order to receive certification on this programme.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

  • Are you preparing to move into a Senior Leadership role or newly appointed in post?  This programme will support the development of essential skills and knowledge required to be a senior leader in school.  Relevant for primary settings.

Who is this course for?

  • For primary colleagues new to senior leadership roles
  • For primary colleagues moving to senior leadership roles
  • For aspirational primary senior leaders

Meet the facilitators

Soli Vela

 

Middle Leadership Ready! 2026-27 Primary Phase

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Alban Education are delighted to run this four session programme providing essential skills for outstanding middle leadership in primary schools.  This will be focused on primary settings with facilitators from both a curriculum and pastoral background at every session, allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting and aspirations.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

This programme will support you in:

  • Reflecting on your personal strengths
  • Developing skills of leadership
  • Exploring your own vision and values
  • Drawing together theory and practice
  • Sustaining effective leadership

Who is this course for?

  • For colleagues new to middle leadership roles
  • For colleagues moving to middle leadership roles
  • For aspirational middle leaders

Twilight sessions will take place at De Bohun Primary School, London, N14 from 4.00pm to 5.30pm on the following dates:

Session 1 Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 Management or leadership? Understanding leadership styles and how to effectively lead a team.
Session 2 Tuesday, 10th November 2026 Purposeful use and application of data. Understanding what data is and how best to use it.
Session 3 Tuesday, 2nd February 2027 The reality of middle leadership. Understanding the demands of the role and how to manage your wellbeing.
Session 4 Tuesday, 9th March 2027 Working with stakeholders. Understanding who the key stakeholders are and how best to navigate this.

A minimum of 75% attendance is required in order to receive certification on this programme.

Meet the facilitator

Louisa Pantelli

Louisa has 25 years of experience in education and is an exceptional and passionate teacher and leader.   She has taught across all primary key stages and has led on Inclusion, Assessment and Curriculum.  She has been a Deputy Headteacher in three settings and recently led two federated schools through Ofsted as Acting Headteacher.  She has also just been inspected under the new framework in a school where she is part of the SLT and leads on Inclusion.  Louisa regularly provides support to schools as a consultant and is part of the team leading on Teacher Development at Haringey Education Partnership.  She has led ECT and mentor training since 2021 and also holds an assessment role at the National Foundation for Educational Research. She has been an associate at Pearson for many years and has worked on various projects, including tracking trends in maths and science and marking KS2 Reading.  Louisa is committed to providing opportunities for teachers to grow and develop their craft, through high quality training and support.

Network | Early Years 2026-27

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Join our Early Years Network for all teachers in nursery and reception run by Alban Education in collaboration with Acorns Early Years Training Centre.  An excellent opportunity to learn from experienced leaders, to share knowledge and discuss common challenges.

Face to face twilight sessions will be held termly from 4pm to 5.30pm at Ludwick Nursery School on the following dates:

  • Autumn date tbc
  • Spring date tbc
  • Summer date tbc

This network is £30 in advance for all three sessions or delegates joining part way through the year will be charged at £10 per session.

Who is this course for?

This network is for qualified teachers working in EYFS.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

This network will be for anyone within EYFS and PVI settings. It will be an opportunity to share best practice, network with colleagues and keep up to date with latest research, policy and practice.

Meet the facilitators

Helen Ackerman, Headteacher Ludwick Nursery School and Director Acorns Early Years Training Centre

Lucy Parker, Deputy Headteacher Ludwick Nursery School and Director Acorns Early Years Training Centre

Network | Maths Teachers 2026-27

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This network is a chance for teachers and ECTs of Mathematics to meet to discuss current issues in secondary phase mathematics education, to form good cross-school relationships and share best practice.

The network will consist of termly face to face sessions all running from 4pm to 5.30pm at Roundwood Park School on the following dates:

  • Autumn Session: Wednesday, 4th November 2026
  • Spring Session: Wednesday, 24th February 2027
  • Summer Session: Wednesday, 5th May 2027

This programme is £30 in advance for three sessions or £10 per session when joining part way through the year.

Who is this course for?

All mathematics teachers – any experience welcome

What are the objectives or outcomes?

On this programme participants will:

  • Discuss opportunities and challenges linked to all key stages of the mathematics curriculum (KS3-5)
  • Reflect on the impact of curriculum reform since 2019 and the progress made with regards to familiarity with the mathematics curriculum and the examinations and next steps
  • Consider the use of oracy in the mathematics classroom
  • Share best practice amongst delegates
  • Develop expert and enrichment opportunities and embed them into curriculum topics

Areas of focus

The course will include:

  • Facilitated discussion
  • Developing pedagogy
  • Ideas for collaboration
  • Reflection and review

Meet the facilitator

Charlotte Norwood, Head of Maths, Roundwood Park School

I started my career at The Hemel Hempstead school as a teacher of Mathematics where I transitioned through a few roles before being a key stage leader and then the Head of Faculty. Alongside these roles I was a Leading Maths Teacher for HCC creating and sharing resources and best practise. I then also had an opportunity of a leadership team secondment which was in a DSL role alongside wider SLT responsibilities. Following on from this I was the Pupil Premium lead for the school prior to leaving for a promotion to Assistant Headteacher at The Highfield School. I was an AHT for many years and did various roles including data and reporting, exams, curriculum, PP, attendance, DDSL and line management. Due to having a young family I am now back in the Mathematics classroom teaching part time at Roundwood Park School and I love it.

Network | Art Teachers and Leaders 2026-27

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Join our fun, creative and informal Art Network. We aim to create a supportive and creative community where art teachers can connect, share ideas and collaborate with one another. Offering opportunities for ongoing professional development through practical workshops, webinars and guest speakers and sharing our resources.

Face to face twilight sessions will be held termly from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sandringham School. The network will be charged at £30 in advance for the year or £10 per session when joining part way through.

Session 1: Monday, 5th October 2026

Session 2: Monday, 1st February 2027

Session 3: Monday, 7th June 2027

Examining the National Drawing Campaign, “Drawn together.”

Creative group drawing activity.

The art of doodling.

 

 

 

 

 

Who is this course for?

  • Primary and secondary art teachers from ECT to HODs.

Meet the facilitator

Sarah Gidden, Sandringham School

Sarah is a fine artist specialising in oil painting and photography. Sarah has taught art to all ages from infants to University of the third age. With over 20 year teaching experience she is passionate about art and education. After becoming a mum to twins in 2011 Sarah enjoyed a career break to raise her family and develop her art skills further. She has exhibited in many galleries including The Collective Gallery , The Nude Tin Can and St Albans Museum as well as Courtyard Arts in Ware and The Broadway in Letchworth.

 

Liz Kelly, Director of Learning (Visual Arts and Arts Coordinator), Sandringham School

Network | Geography Teachers 2026-27

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This network is for Geography teachers who would like to meet to discuss current issues in Secondary Geography Education and to work collaboratively.

The group will meet termly with twilight sessions running from 4.15pm to 5.45pm on the dates below.

Session 1: Thursday 19th November 2026

Agenda for Session 1:

  • New curriculum changes in Geography
  • Oracy

Session 2: Thursday 11th February 2027 (venue tbc)

Session 3: Thursday 17th June 2027 (venue tbc)

Your booking will include all three dates for £30 and reporting instructions will be sent prior to each event.

Late joiners will be charged pro-rata at £10 per session.

Who is this course for?

All Geography teachers – any experience.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

On this programme participants will:

  • Discuss opportunities and challenges linked to all key stages of the Geography curriculum (KS1-KS5)
  • Explore how Geography contributes to whole school cross-curricular initiatives
  • Discuss changes in assessment in Geography
  • Share best practice [to include objectives from other facilitators]

Areas of focus

The course will include:

  • Facilitated sessions
  • Developing pedagogy
  • Ideas for collaboration
  • Reflection and review

Meet the facilitator

Janet Ruffhead is currently Head of Humanities at Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School and has been Head of Geography for the past 21 years. She has forty years’ teaching experience and has worked in a number of schools in the West Midlands and at International schools in West Africa and South India.

She has held the role of Global Dimension Co-ordinator for over 10 years and has run whole school inset as well as supported staff in developing exciting and interactive resources across all subject areas. She has more recently led successful initiatives to support PP pupils and work to improve their resilience and self-confidence and arranged master classes and workshops for more able students

Testimonials from delegates

“Invaluable as a lone teacher of Geography, to meet with other teachers and share ideas and resources.”

“I have really enjoyed networking with other secondary Geography teachers, exploring topics and issues that affect us all.”

MTPT Sustain and Grow Group Coaching Sept 2026 Thurs cohort

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Overview
A six-month coaching programme for parent-educators seeking sustainability and growth in their personal and professional lives.

Working in our schools can feel all-encompassing at the best of times. Add a young family into the mix and life can quickly become overwhelming and stressful. At The MTPT Project, we see too many amazing, experienced colleagues burn out, feeling forced to choose between their careers and their families.

But teaching, leading and supporting in schools can be compatible with family life – even the most family-friendly career choice going!

Join us on our Sustain and Grow group coaching programme this September to take control of your work and home lives.

BOOK DIRECT ON EVENTBRITE HERE

All sessions run live online (zoom) from 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Dates and Session Content 2026-27

As part of an empowering community of parent-teachers in similar situations, we’ll explore six key topics over six sessions:

  • Thursday 24th September – Reducing Overwhelm
  • Thursdsay 8th October – Managing Time and Energy
  • Thursday 12th November – Rationalising the Inner Critic
  • Thursday 3rd December – Living Our Values
  • Thursday 14th January – Strengthening Boundaries
  • Thursday 4th February – Brave Conversations

Sessions will run online (Zoom) on Tuesdays, 15:30-16:30. If you cannot attend the live dates, hybrid or fully recorded access to the programme is available.

Who is the programme for?

Parents of young children who are in teaching, leadership, central Trust or support staff roles in our schools. The programme is suitable for colleagues who have recently returned from parental leave, all the way up to parents with a child aged five or younger.

Our Sustain and Grow group coaching programme is fully inclusive of all parents – it’s not just for mums!

Who is our facilitating coach?

Emma Sheppard is the Founder of The MTPT Project. With twelve years’ experience of teaching and leading in challenging contexts, working both full and part-time as a middle leader and mother to two young children, she knows the emotional, logistical and physical battles that we go through as parent-teachers.

After founding The MTPT Project in 2016, Emma qualified as a coach in 2022, secured her ACC with the ICF in 2023 and has been delivering 1:1 and group coaching since 2017.

Emma creates a calm, open space where coachees feel confident to share and move forwards with their goals in a safe space where challenge is gentle but insightful, and the focus is on making things better.

Workshop places are fully-funded for state-school colleagues in England thanks to support from our regional school, MAT and TSH partners. Please do thank your local organisation on social media or in person for their support.

Emma Sheppard
Founder of The MaternityTeacher PaternityTeacher Project
Inspiring, empowering and connecting teachers choosing to complete CPD on parental leave.

Book in a call with me: www.calendly.com/emmasheppard

www.mtpt.org.uk

Instagram: @mtptproject

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mtpt-project/

Facebook: @The MTPT Project

Flourishing Teacher Programme for Primary Phase 2026-27

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Flourishing Teacher Programme for Primary Phase 2026-27

Running for a second year this is a national programme in partnership with the National Society of Education and delivered locally and online. A collaboration between Alban Education and Ivy Learning Trust this Primary specific cohort is aimed at primary school teachers beyond ECF, in Years 4 – 8 of their teaching journey – developing depth of thinking on the art and craft of excellence in pedagogy; exploring five modules on Purpose, Relationships, Learning, Resources and Expertise and Wellbeing and tailored coaching. Investing in flourishing teachers to support and sustain their ongoing retention and enjoyment of our profession.

BOOKING/CANCELLATION ON THIS PROGRAMME IS REQUIRED BY 11TH SEPTEMBER.  AFTER THIS DATE A LICENCE FEE WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE EVENT OF NON-ATTENDANCE.

After 11th September, late bookings may be considered subject to availability but there will be no option to cancel and no guarantee of a place on the programme.

 

Starting October 2026 – this is a one year programme which will take place on the following dates:

Module Dates
Induction and Module 1: Purpose Monday, 12th October 2026
Crabtree Junior School, Harpenden
9:00-14:30
Module 2: Relationships Tuesday, 24th November 2026
Virtual
13:00-14:30
Module 3: Teaching and Learning Wednesday, 3rd February 2027
Virtual
14:30-16:00
Module 4: Resources and Expertise Friday, 12th March 2027
Virtual
13:00-14:30
Module 5: Wellbeing Thursday, 29th April 2027
Virtual
14:30-16:00
Consolidation and Celebration Event Friday, 18th June 2027
Crabtree Junior School, Harpenden
12:00-15:30
DOWNLOAD FLOURISHING TEACHERS PROGRAMME BROCHURE HERE

Who is this course for?

  • Primary School Teachers in years 4 – 8 of teaching.
  • Experienced classroom practitioners wishing to enhance their teaching practice in a transformative development space.

Meet the Facilitators

Emma Simmons, Executive Headteacher, Crabtree Infants’ and Crabtree Junior Schools

Emma Simmons is an accomplished and deeply committed educational leader with 26 years of experience in primary education. As the Executive Headteacher of Crabtree Infant and Junior Schools, Emma oversees a vibrant learning community where she champions a culture of high expectations, inclusivity, and joy in learning.
Throughout her career, Emma has been driven by a foundational belief: that every single child deserves an exceptional education that unlocks their full potential. Beyond her school gates, she is fiercely passionate about the future of the teaching profession. Emma dedicates much of her time to mentoring and developing the next generation of educators, serving as a supportive champion for both early-career teachers and aspiring school leaders. Under her strategic guidance, Crabtree continues to flourish as a place where both children and staff are empowered to thrive.

 

Karen Carter

With 32 years of experience in the teaching profession, Karen has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children and supporting the development of educators at all stages of their careers. Throughout her career, she has held a range of leadership and specialist roles, including Deputy Headteacher, English Lead, Writing Moderator, and long-term mentor for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) students, Early Career Teachers (ECTs), and participants in the Registered Teacher Programme. She is passionate about the teaching profession and firmly believes in the power of continuous professional development. As a coach and mentor, she has supported colleagues in refining their practice, building confidence, and achieving their professional goals. At the heart of her work is a commitment to creating school communities where every individual feels valued, supported, and heard. Karen feels that when schools foster strong relationships, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose, both children and adults are empowered to thrive.

 

Network | Sixth Form Leaders 2026-27

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Alban Education are delighted to continue the Sixth Form Leaders Network for the academic year of 2026-27.

Face to face twilight sessions will be held termly from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sir John Lawes School on the following dates:

  • Tuesday 20th October 2026
  • Wednesday 10th February 2027
  • Thursday 17th June 2027

This network is £30 for all three sessions or delegates joining part way through the year will be charged at £10 per session.

Who is this course for?

Sixth Form Leaders

What are the objectives or outcomes?

  • To share best practice to support post 16 students
  • To discuss changes to the post 16 educational landscape
  • To discuss common challenges that face sixth form

Areas of focus:

The course will include:

  • Changes to the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and its implications for post 16 education
  • Changes to the academic landscape
  • Careers Education/UCAS
  • Pastoral care
  • Independent learning

Meet the facilitator:

Head of Sixth Form: Sara Calverley, Sir John Lawes School

As Head of Sixth Form, Sara has overall responsibility for the academic and pastoral wellbeing of our students. Sara has 20 years experience of supporting students in preparing for life beyond KS5, and has been both a curriculum and pastoral leader in 4 outstanding schools, both in the UK and internationally. In addition to her role as Head of Sixth Form, she also teaches Sociology and Psychology A Level and delivers the EPQ qualification. Sara is also a qualified mental health first aider.  Sara lives in Harpenden and has two children.

Network | History Teachers 2026-27

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Alban Education are delighted to continue into the second year of our History Teachers Network for 2026-27.

Face to face twilight sessions will be held termly from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sandringham School on the following dates:

  • Thursday 5th November 2026
  • Thursday 25th February 2027
  • Thursday 3rd June 2027

This network is £30 for all three sessions or delegates joining part way through the year will be charged at £10 per session.

Who is this course for?

All history teachers – any experience welcome

What are the objectives or outcomes?

On this programme participants will:
  • Discuss opportunities and challenges linked to all key stages of the history curriculum (KS1-5)
  • Reflect on the impact of curriculum reform since 2019 and the progress made with regards to representation in the history curriculum
  • Consider the use of oracy in the history classroom
  • Share best practice amongst delegates
  • Develop local history knowledge and embed into curriculum topics

Areas of focus:

The course will include:

  • Facilitated discussion
  • Developing pedagogy
  • Ideas for collaboration
  • Reflection and review

Meet the facilitator:

Ruth Davies is currently Assistant Director of Learning of History at Sandringham School and has over 20 years of teaching experience across a range of secondary schools in Leeds, Hertfordshire and North London. She has previously been both Head of History and Head of Humanities and has worked across schools to ensure history departments collaborate and support each other with curriculum development. As an experienced Edexcel examiner and participant in Parallel Histories, Ruth is committed to ensuring CPD offers the opportunity for informative collaboration and ideas on practical classroom implementation.

Contact Us

Alban Education
Sandringham School
The Ridgeway
St. Albans
Herts, AL4 9NX

Email: cpd@albaneducation.co.uk
Phone: 01727 799560
Laura Lusardi: ext 4251
Marketing & Communications Manager

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Contact Us

Alban Teaching School Hub
Sandringham School
The Ridgeway
St. Albans
Herts, AL4 9NX

Email: enquiries@albantsh.co.uk
Phone: 01727 799560

Sophie Walsh: ext 4281
Business Director

Laura Lusardi: ext 4251
Marketing & Communications Manager

Victoria Angel: ext 4400
Appropriate Body Services

Dan Smith: ext 4548
Early Career Teachers

Jo Cavanagh: ext 4271
email: teaching@albantsh.co.uk
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