Professional Development

The SSLP enables teachers to transmit their passion for their specialist subjects, to exchange views about educational issues, to undertake professional development training and to share good practice.

• Aspiring Leaders: Neurodiversity 2023/24
• Aspiring Pastoral Leaders 2022/23
• Aspiring Senior Leaders 2021/22
• Aspiring Middle Leaders 2020/21

Aspiring Leaders: Neurodiversity

Approximately 20% of the population has a neurological difference. During your teaching career you will have in your classes students who learn in a variety of ways. Neurodiversity is now a responsibility for every teacher, just like safeguarding, and also for every manager of people. An understanding of Neurodiversity is important for all stages of your career and will help you to be a better teacher and leader for all those that you work with.

This series of talks will help you to improve your knowledge and allow you to share your experiences.

Understanding Neurodiversity 1
Getting a Diagnosis (focus on ADHD)

Tuesday 14th November 2023, 4:30pm – Zoom

Arron Hutchinson is the Education Training Director for the ADHD Foundation – The Neurodiversity Charity.

Following a five-year teaching career, Arron joined the ADHD Foundation to deliver high-quality training and education on how best to support neurodiverse individuals – whether at school, in the workplace or in the community.

Arron’s work also includes the delivery of therapeutic interventions for children and young people with a variety of needs, whether they have a diagnosis or not.

Understanding Neurodiversity 2
Support and adaptations at home, in the classroom and in exams (focus on Dyslexia)

Tuesday 6th February 2024, 4:30pm – Zoom

Dr Grace Elliott is an experienced teacher, teacher trainer and assessor with APC, ATS, PG Cert SENCO and AMBDA. After completing a MSc at Oxford University focusing on dyslexia, Grace went onto study for an EdD at Reading University to further research the causes of poor reading comprehension and the most effective interventions for poor comprehenders. Following this, she has written numerous publications on the topic of poor reading comprehension. Whilst studying, Grace has worked as a Head of Year and SENCO at a secondary and primary school, before moving to the British Dyslexia Association as Head of Professional Practice. She continues to tutor and assess students privately across the age range: primary, secondary and tertiary.

Understanding Neurodiversity 3
Preparing students for life after school (focus on Autism)

Tuesday 19th March 2024, 4:3pm – Zoom

Danae Leaman-Hill is Director of External Affairs and Development at Ambitious About Autism.

Danae joined Ambitious about Autism in September 2017 as Director of Fundraising. She is responsible for delivering our ambitious strategy, leading the fundraising team and helping to develop our highest level partnerships to achieve even greater impact and guide our fundraising to new heights. 

Aspiring Leaders: Neurodiversity
Networking & Dinner

Tuesday 7th May 2024, 5pm – Venue TBC

SSLP Staff members who attend the three virtual Understanding Neurodiversity sessions will be invited to a networking event and dinner.

There will be a chance to hear from SEN professionals , to ask questions in small groups and to meet other local teachers.

This will be an invitation only event.

Aspiring Pastoral Leaders

The professional development from the SSLP in 2022/23 was for aspiring pastoral leaders (support workers, heads of year, heads of key stage, heads of school, pupil support, directors of wellbeing, deputy heads…).

We welcomed teachers who aspire to be trusted and valued pastoral leaders.

Those who have recently taken on a new pastoral role and those who want to improve their knowledge and skills.

Our three internationally acclaimed speakers offered a wealth of knowledge to share with all conscientious teachers.

It was a really great course and experience.

Attendee at three of the four sessions

• Wednesday 16th November, 5-6:30pm Zoom
  Amy-May Forrester – Director of Behaviour at Cockermouth School
• Wednesday 1st February, 5-6:30pm Zoom
  Sonia Lupien – Professor of Psychiatry, University of Montreal
• Wednesday 22nd March, 5-6:30pm Zoom
  Bradley Busch – Director of InnerDrive
• Thursday 11th May, 5:30-8:30 Alleyn’s School NEW DATE
  Q&A with experienced pastoral leaders and networking and dinner

What an interesting and thought-provoking/affirming session! Thanks so much for organising.

Aspiring Pastoral Leaders attendee – 1st February 2023

Networking Dinner – Thursday 11th May 5:30-8:30 Alleyn’s School

This event is fully booked, please do not attend if you’ve not had a confirmation email.

Please aim to arrive at Alleyn’s Security / Reception between 5pm & 5:15pm. You will then be escorted to our event where we will begin with tea / coffee and biscuits. Once we have all arrived we will hear a little bit from our guest speakers, all are experienced pastoral leaders who will share a case study illustrating what good pastoral leadership means to them. They will then join small groups of participants to answer any questions you might have. Once we’ve had a chance to chat to as many of the experienced leaders as possible we will move next door for a two-course networking dinner to continue our conversations.

Our guest speakers will be Susannah Abbott, Jen Lockyer, Rhona Muir and Elliot Read.

Susannah Abbott – Senior Deputy Head at Queen’s College London

I started my career at Bradfield College, teaching history. I then moved to Harrow (an all-boys’ boarding school) where I became the first female House Master in the school’s 400-year history. Fancying a change, I joined Queen’s College (an all-girls’ day school) as Pastoral Deputy Head in 2017. I am now Senior Deputy Head, still leading on pastoral care. I have introduced many pastoral initiatives (for which Queen’s has been short-listed for the TES Pupil Wellbeing Award for the past 3 years). I am Chair of Governors of a nursery in Ealing and Chair of the Independent Girls’ Schools Football Association. I represent independent schools on the FA Council.

Jen Lockyer – Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral) Westminster City School

I trained to be a teacher at the University of Wales, qualifying as a Maths with Science Teacher in 2007. All of my teaching experience has been in schools in central London, with the last 12 years at Westminster City School.

My current role is Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral) and within this role I have responsibility for Safeguarding, SEND, Inclusion, PSHCE and the pastoral team. I’m hugely privileged to lead these areas and I feel strongly about bringing out the best in our students through all of the additional support and character development that we provide beyond our academic curriculum.

My journey at Westminster City has seen me take on a number of roles, including Head of Department and Head of Year. This has allowed me to understand the challenges that both pastoral and academic middle leaders face as we work collaboratively to ensure an excellent standard of education for all.

Rhona Muir – Senior Deputy Head at JAGS

Rhona became a teacher in 2004 after a career in NHS management. She has held the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead for ten years in two different schools. Rhona joined JAGS in 2017 as Head of KS3 and is now the Senior Deputy Head as well as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Elliot Read – Deputy Master Pastoral & Co-curricular at Dulwich College

I joined Dulwich College as an NQT in 2006, becoming Head of German in 2008. Having been a Form Tutor in different year groups, I was fortunate to be appointed first as a Head of Year in, and then as Deputy Head of, the Upper School. The role of Assistant Head Pastoral followed, and I was also Acting Head of the Middle School for the 2020-21 academic year. Since September 2021, I have been Deputy Master Pastoral & Co-Curricular (and, with this, Designated Safeguarding Lead). I continue to enjoy teaching French and German in the senior school.

It was a lovely event and a great opportunity to make contact with colleagues from other schools.

Attendee – 11th May Networking event

Aspiring Senior Leaders

In 2021-22 we provided four twilight sessions for Aspiring Senior Leaders.

The three guest speakers were jointly funded by Alleyn’s School, Dulwich College and JAGS. The training is provided to SSLP existing middle leaders (and new senior leaders) free of charge and is worth between £250-£300 per person.

The four sessions ran from 5-6:30pm.

• Tuesday 9th November – John Tomsett – Curriculum Conversations (Online)
• Wednesday 19th January – Chris Moyse – Growing Great Teachers (an alternative to performance management)(Online)
• Wednesday 23rd February – Jessica McQuaid – Behaviours of a Senior Leader (Online)
• Wednesday 25th May – Panel session followed by BBQ event at Dulwich College

Aspiring Senior Leaders Panel Discussion & BBQ

Panel members

Josephine Okokon
Headteacher, St Martins Academy

I have 16 years experience of senior leadership at multicultural London schools: in Lambeth, Greenwich, Croydon and Sutton. Holding a number of senior roles including: Headteacher, Associate Headteacher, head of School, Deputy Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher. In addition, I have lead two English departments for 6 years and held the role of senior designated safeguarding lead. I bring a creative and evidence-based approach to running comprehensive schools founded on my strong moral purpose, a ‘duty of care’ ethos and unrelenting focus on high expectations.

I hold a Masters Degree in Education Leadership, drawn upon best practice of school leadership from around the world. Much of my leadership focus has been on stimulating rapid change and improvement in schools by strategically leading teams to secure better outcomes for students.

The key to success in my leadership roles have been a focus on developing and empowering others through staff continuous professional development opportunities; improving teaching and learning; curriculum planning and leadership succession planning and development.

Developing strong community link ensures schools thrive. I have developed a range of effective transition programmes for students moving from primary to secondary and have actively engaged in initiatives for primary and secondary teachers to work collaboratively.

I have 20 years experience of governance, as a Trustee of a multi academy trust and previous roles as a governor and co-opted governor. This includes conversions to academy status, Diocesan governance and supporting Interim Executive Boards.

Marcus Huntley
Headteacher, Compass School Southwark

Mr Huntley was appointed as Principal of Compass School Southwark in September 2017, having held the position of Head of School at City of London Academy Southwark. Mr Huntley has taught in a range of schools in London since qualifying in 2000.

A Religious Studies specialist, Mr Huntley started his teaching career at Wallington Grammar School (Sutton), before moving on to Ernest Bevin College, an all-boys comprehensive in Tooting. During his 10 years there, he progressed through a range of leadership positions with an emphasis on developing whole-school teaching and learning. He joined City of London Academy in January 2012 as Vice Principal responsible for teaching and learning, then progressed to Senior Vice Principal, then Head of School in April 2016.

Mr Huntley holds a Master’s degree in Education from Roehampton University, a PGCE from Westminster College, Oxford, and an undergraduate Batchelor of Arts Honours degree in Religious Studies and Art from Brunel University.

Peter Broughton
Headteacher, Westminster City School

Peter Broughton joined Westminster City School in 2018 as Headteacher. He has worked in education for the last 23 years, having previously been employed at schools in London and Japan. Prior to his appointment, he was the Deputy Headteacher at St Saviour’s and St Olave’s.

Peter was born in Surrey and attended The Royal Grammar School in Guildford before reading Theology at the University of St Andrews. He also spent a year as an exchange scholar at Queen’s University, Ontario. He now lives in south London with his wife and two sons.

Peter is a keen football fan and regularly attends matches at Crystal Palace Football Club with his boys. He enjoys all sports but particularly playing golf, walking and countryside adventures.

Catherine May
Headteacher, St Saviour’s & St Olave’s

Catherine was appointed to the role of Headteacher at St Saviour’s &
St Olave’s school in 2013.

Her first degree was from Exeter before going on to get an MBA in Educational Leadership from the University of London. She has taught Maths in five London schools, across four boroughs and has held senior positions within three leadership teams. Catherine says her steepest leadership learning curve was as Head of Maths.
Catherine is Co-Director of SSLP.

Catherine loves to sew, bake and to follow the highs and lows of Fulham F.C.

Alex Hutchinson
Headteacher, James Allen’s Girls’ School

Alex read Chemistry at St Edmund Hall, Oxford and subsequently obtained her PGCE at the University of Bristol. She has over twenty years of academic and pastoral experience gained at leading girls’ schools, both day and boarding. Her previous roles include teaching Chemistry at JAGS, Head of Science at St Mary’s School, Ascot, Head of Sixth Form at both Central Newcastle High School and Wimbledon High School and Deputy Head at Woldingham School. She was subsequently Headmistress at Woldingham for 4 years, before returning to JAGS as Head in September 2020. In her spare time, Alex is a keen walker and vegetable grower and a lover of the great outdoors.

Joe Spence
Master, Dulwich College

Dr Joseph Spence FRSA has been Master of Dulwich College since 2009. He was Headmaster of Oakham School from 2002, having taught history and politics at Eton College, where he was Master in College (housemaster to the King’s Scholars) from 1992-2002. He was educated at the universities of Reading and London. Joe has served on the governing boards of a dozen maintained and independent schools. He jointly leads Southwark Schools Learning Partnership (SSLP). Presently a trustee of the Mark Evison Foundation, Art History Link Up and the Dulwich Picture Gallery, Joe is also a playwright and librettist. He writes and speaks on many topics relating to education, leadership, Drama and Irish history and literature.

Feedback for Senior Leadership Training

Practical suggestions which are sensible and straight forward to implement, thank you.

JAGS

Thank you for the session, really informative and much to reflect upon.

St Thomas the Apostle School and Sixth Form College

Thank you so much for a fabulous session yesterday. I’d really like to purchase the book “HUH” and am looking forward to receiving the powerpoint slides from the session. Please pass on my thanks to Patrick as well as host for the session.

Charter School North Dulwich

This session was incredible, eye opening and informative. I loved it! Thank you for the opportunity and I can’t wait for the next one now! 

Evelyn Grace Academy

Middle Leadership Training

In 2020-21 we hosted four training sessions for SSLP staff who were either new to middle management roles or who were aspiring to take on such a role in the near future. All four sessions took place online via Zoom.

Session 1: Being a strong leader and creating a good team with Andy Buck
Wednesday 18th November 2020, 4pm

Andy was a headteacher for 13 years at two schools in East London, followed by positions as Director at the National College for Leadership and the Managing Director of United Learning. He has written the book Leadership Matters and has a website honk.org.uk
https://www.leadershipmatters.org.uk/ambassadors/andy-buck/

Exclusively for pre-registered aspiring middle leaders from SSLP schools. 

Session 2: Tackling difficult conversations with colleagues with Nicky Bright
Wednesday 9th December 2020, 4pm

Nicky is a former head of a girl’s school and was Chair of the Girls’ School Association’s Professional Development committee. She runs her own leadership development consultancy, Bright Lead.

Exclusively for pre-registered aspiring middle leaders from SSLP schools.  

Session 3: Being a good communicator, developing a whole school presence and preparing for promotion (either to Middle Leadership or next steps to Senior Leadership) with Dr Jill Berry.
Wednesday 20th January 2021, 4pm

Jill taught in both the state and independent sector and since leaving headship has completed a Professional Doctorate in Education, written a book about moving to Headship and is an educational consultant.

Exclusively for pre-registered aspiring middle leaders

Session 4: Employment law, the essentials such as dealing with complaints and undertaking capability with a member of your team with Philip Lott.
Wednesday 3rd March 2021, 4pm

Philip was the Senior Solicitor at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers for 30 years. He is a specialist in Employment law. 

Exclusively for pre-registered aspiring middle leaders

Thank you to Dulwich College and JAGS for organising and funding this programme of development.