‘Click, Create, Captivate: Using video media to engage and challenge learners’.

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Join Ben Scott as he showcases how to use video media in the classroom using both Canva and Adobe Express.

This session will take place from 16:15 to 17:30 at Sandringham School on the following date:

  • Thursday, 15th October 2026

From TikTok to Teams calls, many platforms offer video editing software features for free, therefore creating video content has never been easier.

‘If you truly understand something, you can teach it to others’

Getting pupils to make their own videos gives every learner a voice and develops a variety of additional transferable skills, ranging from literacy and oracy to collaboration and digital skills. In this session Ben Scott will showcase examples of pupil’s work, across a range of subjects, that demonstrate a deeper understanding of their learning. These tasks engage and challenge learners to be more creative in how they express their understanding. Apart from showcasing some of Ben’s favourite go to tools, he will also demonstrate how he uses rubrics to design and mark these types of assessments.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

  • Learn what free platforms are available to you and your pupils.
  • Be more confident about harnessing video editing software in your own classrooms.
  • Be able to design rubrics to create and mark their own pupil video assignments.
  • Learn how and when to record your own videos to help support their own lessons and learners.

Who is this for?

This talk is suitable for both primary and secondary school teachers across all subjects.

Meet the facilitator

Ben Scott

Ben is a science teacher with over 10 years of teaching experience. Since Covid he has implemented and refined how he uses video tools to redefine assessment in his classroom to challenge and engage learners. He has also worked with local Hertfordshire primary school developing digital literacy skills through his ‘Digital Media workshops’. Finally he is is a founding partner of the National PedTech Partnership, and been recognised as a UK Adobe Innovator for his creativity with technology and employing a pedagogy first, technology second (PedTech) approach in his classroom.

Olevi Power of Coaching 2026-27

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Designed by Olevi and facilitated by experienced school leaders and teachers, Olevi Power of Coaching will allow practitioners to gain a deeper understanding about the power of coaching and the impact that great coaching has on learning, being able to confidently apply a number of strategies to deepen the thinking of pupils, inspire colleagues to develop and grow, and become a more reflective and energised professional.

This programme will take place over 1 1/2 days and will be delivered face to face at Sandringham School as follows:

  • Day 1: Autumn 2026 exact date tbc, 9am to 3pm
  • Day 2: Autumn 2026 exact date tbc, 9am to 12 noon

Full attendance across both days at this programme will enable you to utilise models and approaches to coach pupils and professionals to improve learning, thinking and well-being; professionally challenge expectations and begin to shift mindsets; and model courage, humility and discipline when engaging with coaching conversations.

Who is this course for?

This programme is open to teaching and non-teaching staff who have a role in leading the development of teams and individuals.

This programme could be valuable to teachers supporting the Early Career Framework.

Testimonial

“An excellent experience, tailor-made to the range of course participants.”

 

Meet the facilitators

Jo Cavanagh, Director of Initial Teacher Training, Alban Teaching School Hub and OLEVI Power of Coaching Facilitator

 

 

 

 

 

David Williams, Teacher of MFL and OLEVI Power of Coaching Facilitator

 

 

 

 

Network | MFL Teachers 2026-27

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Our established MFL teachers 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, 9th November 2026
  • Session 2: Monday, 8th March 2027
  • Session 3: Monday, 24th May 2027

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

Fleur is currently Head of MFL and Assistant Induction Tutor at Sandringham School. She has previous experience as a senior leader in an international school in the Middle East and has led on a range of aspects of school life. She is passionate about teaching and learning and facilitates across a number of strands of the golden thread. Fleur is a member of the Chartered College of Teaching and is enthusiastic about research informed practice in education.

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

Middle Leadership Ready! 2026-27 Secondary Phase

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Alban Education are delighted to run this four session programme providing essential skills for outstanding middle leadership in secondary schools.  This will be focused on secondary 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.

The programme will also include an optional visit to another school to shadow a middle or senior leader for a day and an optional coaching session with an Alban Education coach.

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 Thursday, 12th November 2026 Management or leadership? Understanding leadership styles and how to effectively lead a team.
Session 2 Tuesday, 19th January 2027 Purposeful use and application of data. Understanding what data is and how best to use it.
Session 3 Wednesday, 3rd March 2027 The reality of middle leadership. Understanding the demands of the role and how to manage your wellbeing.
Session 4 Thursday, 6th May 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 facilitators

 

Fleur Baikie

Fleur is currently Head of MFL and Assistant Induction Tutor at Sandringham School. She has previous experience as a senior leader in an international school in the Middle East and has led on a range of aspects of school life. She is passionate about teaching and learning and facilitates across a number of strands of the golden thread. Fleur is a member of the Chartered College of Teaching and is enthusiastic about research informed practice in education.

 

Rachael Potter, Sandringham School

Rachael is a KS5 Performance Director and Member of the Professional Learning Team. Last year, she was Associate Assistant Headteacher and worked with PP Transitions and Pastoral Data. She is an experienced English teacher; she is particularly passionate about Teaching and Learning, ensuring that all students are supported to achieve their potential. Rachael has facilitated ECT Year 1 and Year 2 courses for the Alban Teaching Hub and recognises the importance of refining our practice. As a member of the Chartered College of Teaching, she is enthusiastic about using research to inform practice and drive improvement.

New to Teaching in England 2026-27

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Alban Education are delighted to run our New to Teaching in England programme for the third year running to enhance the induction of new colleagues joining schools from abroad.

These sessions will take place at Sandringham School from 4pm to 5pm on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, 22nd September 2026
  • Wednesday, 30th September 2026
  • Thursday, 22nd October 2026

This programme will be charged at £45 for all three sessions however delegates are welcome to join part way through and will be charged on a pro-rata basis if necessary.

Who is this course for?

Newly qualified and experienced teachers who are teaching in England for the first time from abroad

What are the objectives or outcomes?

In the sessions we will provide a space to support your questions and upskilling around a range of areas including:

  • Resource and support networks
  • Exam system and assessment in England
  • Standards and Ofsted
  • Staff
  • Outstanding lessons
  • Behaviour management
  • Your questions answered

Supporting staff wellbeing:

  • Network with colleagues across schools who are also new to teaching in England
  • Provide a safe space for questions and issues
  • Enhancing school induction programmes

Meet the facilitators

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.

 

Richard Davis, Year 10 Form Tutor and Teacher of Mathematics

Rich is currently a Mathematics teacher and Year 10 Form Tutor at Sandringham School.  In his 20 years in the teaching profession, Rich has had a variety of additional responsibilities.  He is currently a KS4 coordinator in the Mathematics Department but he has also been a Head of Year for 10 years and spent a year as an Assistant Headteacher leading on behaviour and pastoral care. These roles have enabled him to experience many aspects of school life and given opportunities to work closely with students, parents and colleagues in different capacities.

Mental Health First Aid training Autumn Cohort 2026-27

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Become an accredited mental health first aider!

Alban Education are excited to work in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England to bring to you this outstanding CPD opportunity in the experienced hands of Vas Hirani.

This training will take place over two days at Sandringham School from 08:30 hrs to 16:30 hrs on the following dates:

  • Monday, 7th December 2026
  • Tuesday, 8th December 2026

Refreshments and lunch will be provided.  Attendance is compulsory on both days to achieve certification.

There is a maximum number of 16 delegates on this programme.

Brief Overview

Train as an MHFAider® and you’ll get three years of MHFAider Support and Benefits to help you feel empowered and confident in your role. With MHFA England® training you will be accessing the very best evidence based MHFA® course available. Our training is grounded in research and developed with clinical practitioners. It is proven to increase MHFAiders confidence in supporting people with mental health issues. With our new offer, training doesn’t stop when the course comes to an end. We provide continuous support for MHFAiders – well beyond your initial certification – so you are confident, empowered and motivated to carry out your role.

MHFA TRAINING FLYER
FURTHER DETAILED INFORMATION HERE

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for individuals who would like to become an MHFAider® to gain the knowledge, awareness, and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, be confident to start a conversation, and signpost a person to appropriate support.​ Open to anyone in a school community, teachers, leaders, support staff and governors.

Meet the Facilitator

View Vas Hirani’s bio as a pdf here.

 

Network | Secondary Literacy 2026-27

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Alban Education are delighted to be running our successful Literacy Network for Secondary Phase which will promote most recent research, resources and approaches for Literacy within the current Ofsted framework.

Booking in advance will secure one place on all three sessions for your school however a different staff member may attend each session if the focus is more relevant for them.

Your booking is for all three sessions in advance.  Delegates may join part way through the year and will be charged on a pro-rata basis.

Face to face sessions will be held at Sandringham School termly as follows:

  • Tuesday, 20th October 2026 – 09:30-11:00
  • Friday, 12th March 2027 – 09:30-11:00
  • Tuesday, 11th May 2027 – 09:30-11:00

Sessions will focus on:

Empowering Literacy Leadership: Designed to build subject leadership expertise in literacy through evidence-informed input, practical tools, and peer collaboration.

Current and Relevant Content: Each session explores national priorities (e.g. Reading Framework, Ofsted focus, English Hubs) and timely topics such as oracy, disciplinary literacy, transition, and AI in education.

Collaborative and Reflective Structure: Sessions include input, case studies, group planning, and peer sharing—creating space to reflect on and plan for impact in your setting.

Who is this course for?

Suitable for any secondary school leaders, teachers, teaching assistants, librarians who have any responsibility for literacy across the curriculum.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

  • To offer practical ways in which schools can successfully adapt their current provision of literacy, to maximise impact
  • To examine the key literacy demands within the current Ofsted framework
  • To share the most recent research and resources to support literacy provision in schools
  • To provide a networking opportunity for schools to collaborate and share best practice

Meet the facilitator

Annabel Brown

Annabel Brown is a Literacy Specialist with the DfE English Hubs and an experienced facilitator across ITT, ECTP and NPQs. She supports secondary schools to strengthen reading and whole-school literacy through evidence-informed practice.
A former EEF Research School Director, Assistant Headteacher and Senior English Adviser, Annabel has extensive experience in school improvement, curriculum development and professional learning. She is passionate about helping schools develop research-led strategic approaches to literacy that improve outcomes and enable all pupils to access an ambitious curriculum.

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.

Flourishing Teacher Programme for Secondary Phase 2026-27

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Flourishing Teacher Programme for Secondary 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. Aimed at secondary 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 Friday, 9th October 2026
Sandringham School, St. Albans
9:00-14:30
Module 2: Relationships Tuesday, 24th November 2026
Virtual
09:15-10:45
Module 3: Teaching and Learning Wednesday, 3rd February 2027
Virtual
9:00-10:30
Module 4: Resources and Expertise Friday, 12th March 2027
Virtual
13:30-15:00
Module 5: Wellbeing Thursday, 29th April 2027
Virtual
14:00-15:30
Consolidation and Celebration Event Friday, 18th June 2027
Sandringham School, St. Albans
12:00-15:30
DOWNLOAD FLOURISHING TEACHERS PROGRAMME BROCHURE HERE

Who is this course for?

  • Secondary 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

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.

 

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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Early Career Teacher Programme

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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