We believe that professional development is the vital ingredient that allows our staff and to ‘step into their greatness’. Our guiding principles are aligned with the EEFs (Educational Endowment Fund) guidance and recommendations and the Greensand PACE Framework. In a Greensand school, professional development effectively builds knowledge, motivates staff, develops techniques, and embeds practice. Professional development programmes are implemented with care, taking into consideration the context and needs of each of our unique schools.
Professional Development Guiding Principles
Professional Development Pathways
Professional Development pathways are clearly defined and allow staff to see potential career journeys and mapped out opportunities within the Trust.
Please click on the map below to explore our interactive map.
School Improvement Framework
The Greensand School Improvement model is agile, robust and bespoke to the need of individual schools and based on the Trust wide principles of Collaboration, Support and Challenge. Implementation of the PACE Quality of Education Framework is focusing Trust schools on specific improvement domains and enabling school improvement to have purpose and clarity.
Appraisal Framework
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
Teachers and School Leaders with Greensand have the opportunity to apply for a National Professional Qualification (NPQ) These are the most widely recognised qualifications in the education sector for current and aspiring leaders.
We are delighted to be in partnership with STSN and Teach First to provide leadership training and support for school leaders and early years professionals at all levels. NPQs will support you to develop the skills and knowledge to progress in your career and to support your school or setting.
For further information about specialist NPQs please click on the links below. If you are interested in applying for an NPQ please speak to your Headteacher or Professional Development lead.
NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
NPQ in Leading Behaviour & Culture (NPQLBC)
NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
Leadership Development Case Study
Leadership Development Case study: Developing Trust Leaders through National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
Over the past 12 months, 27 Trust leaders have either completed or are in the process of completing National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) in partnership with the Surrey Teaching School Network (STSN). These NPQs have enabled leaders to develop skills in key areas, including Teaching, Teacher Development, Behaviour and Culture, Literacy, Primary Maths, Early Years, SEND, Senior Leadership, Headship, and Executive Leadership.
Reflections from Trust Leaders on NPQ Impact:
Richard John, Assistant Headteacher at Kingswood School, reflects on completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL):
Research-Based Decision Making: Richard learned the importance of using research-based evidence, particularly from the EEF, to inform decisions about implementing school-wide changes.
Stakeholder Management: The program emphasised how to present changes to governors, treating them as stakeholders. Richard found it invaluable to anticipate concerns, especially around budget implications.
Leadership Development: Richard found that the NPQSL deepened his understanding of servant leadership, making sure all stakeholders feel content and supported. It also helped him approach difficult conversations with staff more effectively, focusing on timing and approach.
Personal Growth: The course built Richard's confidence as a leader and reinforced that leadership is an ongoing journey of self-reflection and development.
Overall Experience: Richard found the course enjoyable and beneficial, particularly recommending forming triads during the program for collaboration and support in completing the final assessment.
Anya Sailsbury, Headteacher at Epsom Downs Community School, highlights the benefits of completing the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL):
Strategic Leadership: The NPQEL equipped Anya with skills to set and communicate clear strategic goals. This is crucial for overseeing the wide range of services her school offers, including a family centre, breakfast and after-school clubs, a farm, and a nursery.
Operational Management: The course enhanced Anya’s confidence in managing operational aspects, including financial planning and resource allocation. This has been vital in ensuring the smooth running of diverse school operations.
Teaching and Learning: Anya gained a broader understanding of maintaining teaching quality across all areas, including the extended services her school offers, ensuring educational standards are consistently high.
Community Engagement: With a strong focus on community partnership, the NPQEL has helped Anya align the various services at Epsom Downs with a shared vision, fostering an inclusive environment for all children.
Hannah Edwards, Deputy Head at Wray Common School, shares her experience of completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH):
Comprehensive Knowledge: The NPQH provided Hannah with a comprehensive understanding of Headship, filling knowledge gaps, particularly in Organisational Management and Governance and Accountability.
Transition to a Larger School: Equipped with a broader view of operational management, Hannah successfully transitioned into her new role as Deputy Head at Wray Common, where she now leads in a larger school.
Networking and Mentorship: The course also facilitated networking opportunities. Hannah connected with new Headteacher Andy King at Esher High School, discussing the challenges of transitioning into headship, which helped her prepare for her new responsibilities.
Prepared for Future Headship: The NPQH gave Hannah the tools and confidence to lead successfully in her new role and provided her with a clearer understanding of what Headship entails.
The Trust’s investment in NPQs has significantly enhanced leadership across schools, providing leaders with the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles. These leadership qualifications not only support individual professional growth but also have a profound impact on school operations, stakeholder management, and strategic decision-making, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the Trust.
