Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is celebrating the success of the first graduating cohort of the Aspiring Leaders Programme – a pioneering staff development initiative designed to nurture the next generation of college leaders.
Launched at the start of January 2024, the year-long programme supported staff who aspire to take on leadership roles, including those within Catholic educational settings. Participants engaged in a rich blend of leadership training sessions, guided self-reflection, and practical development work, all aimed at equipping them with the skills and confidence to lead with purpose.
A key feature of the programme was the completion of an individual leadership project, through which each participant led a new development within or outside of their department. With the support of an assigned mentor from the Senior Leadership Team, staff explored educational innovation, team leadership, performance management, and governance while reflecting on their personal growth.
From January 2024 to February 2025, the group took part in a series of workshops on topics ranging from coaching and mentoring to time management, innovation, and leading in a Catholic setting. The programme concluded with participants presenting their projects to the Senior Leadership Team.
Lucy Johnson, Assistant Principal and programme coordinator said ‘It has been a genuine pleasure to work with this group, witnessing their growth in confidence and the development of key skills essential for effective leadership. We are especially proud to share that, even before the course concluded, three participants had already secured well-deserved promotions — a testament to their hard work and the impact of their learning journey.’
Following the Aspiring Leaders Programme’s success, it will continue to run each year. We can’t wait to see the next group of budding leaders develop their skills.
We encourage other colleges and sixth form institutions to consider adopting or adapting the Aspiring Leaders model. By embedding leadership development within their staff culture, colleges can strengthen internal capacity, boost staff morale, and create clear pathways for professional growth. If you're interested, please get in touch here.
Website By Rejuvenate Digital