Strategic CPD programme design for Secondary Leaders 21 May 2026

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Alban Education are excited to launch a new session looking at Strategic CPD programme design for Secondary Leaders.  Developing an impactful and coherent CPD programme that addresses key national priorities aligned with the 2025 Ofsted framework expectations. 

This session will be repeated on two separate dates.

  • Thursday 14th May 2026 | 2-4pm at Crabtree Junior School
  • Thursday 21st May 2026 | 2-4pm at Springmead Primary School

This page booking is for 21st May please click on 14th May above to book for that date.

This session will

  • address key considerations in implementing the new Ofsted 2025 guidance for your whole school professional learning programme
  • build confidence in navigating the priorities of the White Paper and Curriculum and Assessment Review into a meaningful, considered plan for professional development. 

Participants will leave the session with an increased understanding of

  • the expectations of the new 2025 Ofsted Framework requirements for professional learning
  • how to shape and personalise the CPD programme for their school in line with system change expectations
  • priorities for professional development that further supports teaching and an inclusive curriculum within their schools

Who is this for

  • Professional Development Leads in secondary schools
  • Lead practitioners in secondary schools

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.

 

Emma Beaton, Music Teacher at Sandringham School & ECF Lead for the Alban TSH

With 25 years of experience as a music teacher across all phases from nursery through to Key Stage 5, Emma has worked in a range of schools and settings and was recently awarded a Silver Pearson award for Secondary School Teacher of the Year. Emma is a highly experienced facilitator, working with organisations such as Olevi and Best Practice Network, delivering training for NPQLT, ECF mentors and ECTs. Emma’s expertise spans a range of areas, from music-specific pedagogy to cutting-edge approaches including AI and innovations to support adaptive teaching. Emma is a blended learning enthusiast and advocate for arts education for all. She has recently taken on the role of ECF lead for the Alban Teaching School Hub enabling her to support new colleagues as they enter the profession. She is dedicated to supporting all those who work in education to thrive and build a lasting career.

 

 

Strategic CPD programme design for Secondary Leaders 14 May 2026

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Alban Education are excited to launch a new session looking at Strategic CPD programme design for Secondary Leaders.  Developing an impactful and coherent CPD programme that addresses key national priorities aligned with the 2025 Ofsted framework expectations. 

This session will be repeated on two separate dates.

  • Thursday 14th May 2026 | 2-4pm at Crabtree Junior School
  • Thursday 21st May 2026 | 2-4pm at Springmead Primary School

This page booking is for 14th May please click on 21st May above to book for that date.

This session will

  • address key considerations in implementing the new Ofsted 2025 guidance for your whole school professional learning programme
  • build confidence in navigating the priorities of the White Paper and Curriculum and Assessment Review into a meaningful, considered plan for professional development. 

Participants will leave the session with an increased understanding of

  • the expectations of the new 2025 Ofsted Framework requirements for professional learning
  • how to shape and personalise the CPD programme for their school in line with system change expectations
  • priorities for professional development that further supports teaching and an inclusive curriculum within their schools

Who is this for

  • Professional Development Leads in secondary schools
  • Lead practitioners in secondary schools

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.

 

Emma Beaton, Music Teacher at Sandringham School & ECF Lead for the Alban TSH

With 25 years of experience as a music teacher across all phases from nursery through to Key Stage 5, Emma has worked in a range of schools and settings and was recently awarded a Silver Pearson award for Secondary School Teacher of the Year. Emma is a highly experienced facilitator, working with organisations such as Olevi and Best Practice Network, delivering training for NPQLT, ECF mentors and ECTs. Emma’s expertise spans a range of areas, from music-specific pedagogy to cutting-edge approaches including AI and innovations to support adaptive teaching. Emma is a blended learning enthusiast and advocate for arts education for all. She has recently taken on the role of ECF lead for the Alban Teaching School Hub enabling her to support new colleagues as they enter the profession. She is dedicated to supporting all those who work in education to thrive and build a lasting career.

 

 

Leading and Managing Multigenerational Teams 2025-26

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A new session brought to you by Alban Education on Leading and Managing Multigenerational Teams

With changing expectations in the workplace, what are the behaviours and trends that are occurring in your schools and how are you equipped as a middle and senior leader to manage these, sometimes conflicting, workplace expectations and behaviours.

This session will be repeated on 2 separate occasions and you can choose from the options below.

Please book on this page for either session – after booking you will receive a link to indicate your chosen session.

Date Time Venue
Monday, 18 May 2026 2:30-4:00pm Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 9NX
Wednesday, 20 May 2026 4:00-5:00pm Online joining link to be shared after booking

What are the outcomes of the session?

This session will explore themes on how:

  • To deconstruct generational stereotypes and move beyond common myths and misunderstandings.
  • To identify key areas of division in changing expectations in the workplace.
  • To be able to recognise unconscious bias to support your generational biases and in turn strengthen your own leadership style.
  • To support staff retention and well-being.
  • To consider the range of external trends that impact the expectations and demands of our workforce.
  • To recognise and incorporate key Gen Z behaviours and expectations in your organisation.

Who is this course for?

  • Middle Leaders
  • Senior Leaders
  • Support staff
  • Governors

Meet the facilitator

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Senior Leadership Ready! 2025-26

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Alban Education are delighted to run our established Senior Leadership Ready programme this year with four sessions providing essential skills for outstanding senior 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.

This will consist of 4 twilight sessions which will take place from 4.00pm to 5.30pm at Katherine Warington School in Harpenden.

(session 1 is now 13th May, not 21st April as previously published)

Session 1: Wednesday, 13th May 2026

Session 2: Wednesday, 10th June 2026

Session 3: Tuesday, 30th June 2026

Session 4: Tuesday, 14th July 2026

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 all phases of school.

Who is this course for?

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

Meet the facilitators

Cathy Longhurst, Headteacher, Mandeville Primary School

Cathy is an outstanding Headteacher with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Primary teaching phase.

 

 

 

Amy Francis, Katherine Warington School

Amy is an experienced educator and currently the Induction Lead at Katherine Warington School in Harpenden. She has held roles as a curriculum lead in MFL, Lead Practitioner, Induction lead, SENCO and Assistant Headteacher (T&L).  Amy has  been working in education for 27 years. She studied French at the University of Liverpool, before completing her PGCE and starting her teaching career in the same city, then moving to teach in London. Amy’s extensive experience of inner city teaching has led to the passionate belief that regardless of circumstance or challenges, every child has the right to achieve and fulfil their potential; and this is achieved through high quality education, led by those who have the highest expectations of the students they teach and nurture.

She added to her educational portfolio in 2019 by qualifying as a SENCO and took up this new role at Katherine Warington School where she had  the privilege of being a member of the founding leadership team; designing curriculum, policies and practices for a brand new school. She is an Alban Education Expert (previously SLE) and a Harpenden parent.

 

 

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

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!

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