Mental Health Knowledge for Managers 2025-26

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Mental Health Knowledge for Managers is a new course available to start from 26th January 2026 for the remainder of the year and will be undertaken online, at your own pace, in 25 minute blocks amounting to 3 hours total training time.

Please book to the left and full instructions will be shared with you for you to undertake this programme.

Brief Overview

Designed using the latest statistics and real-world scenarios, this fully accessible course brings together seven streamlined modules in one package.

Course modules:

  • Supporting employee mental health.
  • Understanding equality.
  • Managing workplace stress.
  • The mental health conversation cycle
  • Understanding reasonable adjustments.
  • Managing performance.
  • Balancing life and work.

Who is this course for?

Open to anyone in a school community, teachers, leaders, support staff and governors.

Meet the Facilitator

Mental Health First Aid England.

Literacy in Every Classroom | Secondary 2025-26

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Strong literacy underpins success in every subject. This one-day course supports all teachers in responding to the new Ofsted inspection toolkit and curriculum review, with a focus on practical strategies that make a real difference in classrooms.

Participants will explore the latest evidence on effective reading, writing, oracy and vocabulary instruction, and examine how literacy development connects to disciplinary knowledge in their own subjects. The course balances research with hands-on examples, helping teachers identify and address the specific literacy demands of their curriculum area.

Throughout the day, participants will have guided time to plan how to integrate and sustain these approaches within their school context. Whether you teach English, science, or art, this course will help you build pupils’ confidence and independence as readers, writers, and communicators—embedding literacy as a shared responsibility across the whole school.

This session will be held at Sandringham School as follows:

  • Friday, 12th June 2026 – 09:00-15:15, refreshments and lunch included

Who is this course for?

Teachers and leaders of all subjects in secondary schools.

Outline for the day

Time Session Focus
8:45 – 9:00 Arrival, Tea & Coffee Informal welcome and networking.
9:00 – 9:15 Welcome & Introduction Setting the scene: why literacy matters across subjects.
9:15 – 10:15 The Big Picture: Literacy in Secondary Schools Research evidence; Ofsted, curriculum review and national priorities; disciplinary approaches; exploring common barriers to literacy.
10:15 – 10:30 Break
10:30 – 11:30 Reading Reading complex texts; adaptable classroom strategies.
11:30 – 12:30 Writing Case studies from different subjects; writing in disciplinary forms; vocabulary instruction.
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch will be provided
1:00 – 2:00 Oracy Practical strategies to increase opportunities for talk in the classroom.
2:00 – 3:00 Implementation Planning Workshop Dedicated time to apply strategies to own school context; drafting an action plan.
3:00 – 3:15 Plenary & Next Steps Sharing key insights; signposting further resources and networks, evaluation.

Meet the facilitator

Annabel Brown

Annabel Brown is a former EEF Research School Director and now works as a Facilitator with Alban Teaching School Hub and a Literacy Specialist with New Wave English Hub. She has extensive experience supporting schools to embed evidence-informed practice and improve outcomes through sustainable approaches to teaching and learning.
A Senior English Adviser and experienced classroom teacher, Annabel brings expertise in curriculum design, coaching, and professional development. Drawing on her background as an Assistant Headteacher, she supports schools to strengthen whole-school improvement, disciplinary literacy, and reading fluency – helping teachers develop strategic, research-informed approaches that make a measurable impact on pupils’ learning.

Flourishing Teacher Programme 2025-26

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NEW! Flourishing Teacher Programme – Launch Spring 2026

NEW national programme in partnership with the National Society of Education and delivered locally and online. Aimed at those beyond ECF, perhaps 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 Wellbeing; tailored coaching. Investing in flourishing teachers to support and sustain their ongoing retention and enjoyment of our profession.

CANCELLATION ON THIS PROGRAMME IS REQUIRED BY 5TH DECEMBER.  AFTER THIS DATE A LICENCE FEE WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE EVENT OF NON-ATTENDANCE.

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

Module Dates
Induction and Module 1: Purpose Wednesday 7th January 2026
Sandringham School, St. Albans
9.00 – 2.30
Module 2: Relationships Wednesday 25th February 2026
Virtual
2.00 – 3.30
Module 3: Teaching and Learning Tuesday 21st April 2026
Virtual
9.00 – 10.30
Module 4: Resources and Expertise Wednesday 10th June 2026
Virtual
2.00 – 3.30
Module 5: Wellbeing Tuesday 8th  September 2026
Virtual
3.15 – 4.45
Consolidation and Celebration Event Wednesday 4th November 2026
Sandringham School, St. Albans
1.00 – 4.30
DOWNLOAD FLOURISHING TEACHERS PROGRAMME BROCHURE HERE

Who is this course for?

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

Meet the Facilitators

Karen Taylor-Paul NPQEL FCCT FRSA is the Director of the Alban Teaching School Hub which oversees outstanding professional development for teachers at all stages of their careers across over 300 schools in Hertfordshire.  Her teaching career started in secondary Music teaching and Arts leadership before moving onto wide-ranging senior leadership roles. Karen’s role now encompasses system leadership across all school phases from Initial Teacher Training through to Executive Leader and Trust development; she ensures DfE policy and system change are implemented in schools across the whole Golden Thread of professional development.   Karen’s work aligns with the DfE Recruitment and Retention remit for Teaching School Hubs and also promotes the work of subject hubs and Universal RISE to ensure school leaders and teachers are informed on the best evidence-based professional development opportunities for their schools to benefit the outcomes of every child.  Karen sits on a number of regional and national professional development advisory boards.

There will also be invited speakers across a range of topics.

 

Annabel Brown

Annabel Brown is a former EEF Research School Director and current NPQ Facilitator at Alban Teaching School Hub, with extensive experience in supporting schools to embed evidence-informed practice. As a Senior English Advisor and experienced English teacher, she brings a wealth of expertise in curriculum design, coaching, and professional development, all grounded in her ongoing classroom practice. Through her leadership of the Literacy Network, Annabel draws on her background in whole-school improvement, disciplinary literacy, and reading fluency to support literacy leaders and teachers in developing strategic, research-informed approaches that make a real impact.

 

MTPT Sustain and Grow Group Coaching

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Teaching and leading 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 teachers and leaders burn out, feeling forced to choose between their careers and their families.

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

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

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

DATES FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2026 TUESDAY COHORT

  • Tuesday 20th January
  • Tuesday 24th February
  • Tuesday 24th March
  • Tuesday 21st April
  • Tuesday 19th May
  • Tuesday 16th June

DATES FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2026 THURSDAY COHORT

  • Tuesday 22nd January
  • Tuesday 26th February
  • Tuesday 26th March
  • Tuesday 23rd April
  • Tuesday 21st May
  • Tuesday 18th June

(Recorded Access)

Tuesday, Mar 24 to Monday, Aug 31 ends at 3:30pm
BOOK DIRECT ON EVENTBRITE HERE

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
@mtptproject #MTPTproject
www.facebook.com/MTPTproject
Join us as a member!

Network | MFL Teachers 2025-26

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

The network will consist of three face to face sessions which will run from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sandringham School on the following dates:

  • Session 1: Monday, 29th September 2025
  • Session 2: Monday, 16th March 2026
  • Session 3: Monday, 11th May 2026

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

Who is this for?

Heads and Seconds in Languages Departments, Teachers of MFL

What are the objectives or outcomes?

On this programme participants will:

  • Discuss changes to the MFL curriculum.
  • Discuss the challenges facing teachers of MFL.
  • Share best practice.

Areas of focus

The course will include:

  • Facilitated sessions.
  • Reflection and review.
  • Planning next steps.

Meet the facilitator

 

David Williams, Sandringham School

 

 

Fleur Baikie, Sandringham School

Network | Sixth Form Leaders 2025-26

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Alban Education are delighted to continue the Sixth Form Leaders Network for the academic year of 2025-26.

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

  • Wednesday 26th November 2025
  • Tuesday 10th March 2026
  • Thursday 11th June 2026

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.

Middle Leadership Ready! 2025-26

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Alban Education are delighted to run this four session programme providing essential skills for outstanding middle leadership.  This will be cross-phase with specific primary and secondary facilitators every session allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting.

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 Sandringham School from 4.00pm to 5.30pm on the following dates:

Session 1 Wednesday, 19th November 2025 Management or leadership? Understanding leadership styles
Session 2 Monday, 26th January 2026 Leading effective meetings and managing people
Session 3 Wednesday, 4th March 2026 Application of data (including tracking SEND data)
Session 4 Wednesday, 13th May 2026 Coaching and unlocking potential

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

Meet the facilitators

Primary Lead | Leanne Bridges

With 14 years experience, Leanne is a dedicated primary school teacher specialising in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.  She currently works across both primary and secondary education settings and holds qualified SENCO accreditation.  Leanne also has a strong background in leading Music and Physical Education within the primary setting.  She is passionate about integrating the arts into her teaching to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.

 

Secondary Lead | Amy Stothard, Director of Learning, Music, Sandringham School

Amy Stothard is an experienced form tutor and is currently the Head of Music at Sandringham School. She has been working in education for 13 years and has worked with tutor groups and students with a wide range of needs. She is passionate about the impact that form tutors have on the day to day experience of students, their wellbeing as well as on their longer-term outcomes.

 

 

Secondary Lead | Fleur Baikie, Sandringham School

 

 

MTPT Parental Leave Group Coaching

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Colleagues in the South East currently on a period of maternity, adoption or shared parental leave can enjoy a fully-funded place on the cohorts of The MTPT Project’s group coaching programme.

This three-month programme takes place online in small groups of 8-20 participants, and explores themes of change, identity, confidence and plans for the future.

It can be easy to feel isolated or drifting on your parental leave, particularly if you are used to the bustle and pace of school and the classroom.

The MTPT Project’s Parental Leave Group Coaching programme brings you together with other colleagues on leave to share experiences, motivate yourself with personalised goals, and celebrate as you grow and flourish with your new baby.

In three 60 minute Zoom sessions, we’ll focus on key themes relevant to The MTPT Project community:

  • Transition and Identity: who am I now?
  • Limiting Beliefs: what’s holding me back?
  • Empowering Visions: where do I want to go?

DATES FOR SPRING 2026 COHORT – 09:30-10:30

  • Monday 16th March
  • Monday 13th April
  • Monday 11th May

DATES FOR SUMMER 2026 COHORT 1 – 09:30-10:30

  • Tuesday 5th May
  • Tuesday 2nd June
  • Tuesday 30th June

DATES FOR SUMMER 2026 COHORT 2 – 09:30-10:30

  • Thursday 2nd July
  • Thursday 30th July
  • Thursday 27th August
BOOK DIRECT ON EVENTBRITE HERE

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
@mtptproject #MTPTproject
www.facebook.com/MTPTproject
Join us as a member!

MTPT Return to Work Workshops

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Colleagues returning from a period of maternity, adoption or shared parental leave this term can enjoy a fully-funded place on The MTPT Project’s Return to Work workshops. This 90 minute virtual workshop will inform you of your legal entitlements and the best practice you can expect from your school, as well as a powerful space to set boundaries and get your emotional and logistical ducks in a row before you go back.

BOOK DIRECT ON EVENTBRITE HERE

All sessions are online from 09:30 to 11:00

Summer 2026

  • Tuesday, 12 May
  • Monday, 22 June
  • Thursday, 16 July

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.

 

Case Study

As part of a regional Teaching School Hub partnership in the South East, Alban Teaching School Hub are proud to be supporting The MTPT Project’s Return to Work Workshops throughout the academic year 2024-25.

This 90 minute interactive webinar offers colleagues in the South East the opportunity to prepare logistically and emotionally for a confident return to work following a period of maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.

Ensuring the programme is fully-funded for state school colleagues is just one of the ways that Alban Teaching School Hub is addressing recommendations in the recent Missing Mothers report by The New Britain Project and The MTPT Project, which found that only 38% of mother-teachers surveyed were satisfied with the maternity leave and transition support provided by their school.

Fleur Baikie, a secondary middle leader in Hertfordshire attended a Return to Work workshop in February 2025.  Fleur said she enjoyed, “having some time to really think about returning to work without interruption and with the support of Emma (the facilitator) and the other parents at the workshop.”  She loved the “concrete examples” shared and says the workshop has increased her confidence about returning to work.

Find out more about The MTPT Project’s fully-funded Return to Work workshops, including upcoming dates and other regional Teaching School Hub sponsors on Eventbrite.

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
@mtptproject #MTPTproject
www.facebook.com/MTPTproject
Join us as a member!

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

Our 5 Pillars

Early Career Framework

Appropriate Body Services

National Professional Qualifications

CPD

Initial Teacher Training

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
Initial Teacher Training

Alban Education Courses