Free, targeted package of support for new headteachers 

DfE funding is available to all state school headteachers.  

One-to-one coaching to help you face the known challenges new headteachers experience  

You’ll receive one-to-one coaching to help you reflect on the impact your NPQH learning can have on your leadership practice. 

Ongoing support from an experienced school leader 

A confidential, safe space to reflect and discuss personal or school priorities with your Teach First support role - an experienced former school leader and trained coach.  

Practical guidance focused on your school’s particular circumstances 

You’ll be supported to identify key goals and step back to consider what improvements you want to implement in you school. 

Peer networking  

There are opportunities for networking throughout the programme, ensuring you are well connected beyond your own school community. 

How does the Early Headship Coaching Offer work? 

It is a targeted package of additional support tailored to the needs of headteachers new to the role of headship. It provides structured, unassessed face-to-face support based on the best available evidence about what makes an effective headteacher. You can complete it alongside your NPQH or as a standalone.  

The support lasts for twelve months, and you will receive five coaching calls across that time with one of our Achievement Partners (experienced former school leaders).  

What will I learn? 

Each session is tailored to you and your needs; there is no set curriculum. Sessions are led by you and can be focused on your own priorities, e.g. difficult conversations, staffing, self-development, or school priorities such as behaviour, culture and effective implementation. There is also an opportunity to connect and network with other headteachers where priorities align. 

What are the training commitments? 

The support lasts for twelve months, and you will receive five coaching calls across that time. There is no pre-work or preparation needed for sessions other than personal reflection time and the Early Headship Coaching Offer is not linked to any other channel or assessment. 

Will I be assessed? 

No, this programme is not assessed. 

Need more information? 

We spoke to current Early Headship Coaching Offer programme member Matthew Sadler, headteacher at Hampstead school, for a summary of his experience so far.  

Why did you choose to apply for the Early Headship Coaching Offer for new headteachers? 

Starting a new headship in the midst of the pandemic was hugely challenging and made it an even more isolated role. As I started my second year, I was keen to access additional support. 

Why did you choose Teach First? 

My experience of Teach First – in both teacher training and school leadership programmes – is one of high quality. 

Can you describe the support you’re getting? 

Personalised mentoring and coaching support, with access to opportunities offered by Teach First and its networks. 

What are the benefits (so far) of the support you’re receiving? 

Creating the space and time to reflect on progress and consider next steps. 

How does the Early Headship Coaching Offer fit around your day job? Is the time commitment manageable?  

It is manageable time wise and the flexibility around timings of sessions is very helpful. 

What is different about this programme compared to the NPQH?  

It takes what was for me the most powerful part of my NPQH, the one-to-one coaching and mentoring, and makes it the prime focus. 

Would you recommend the Early Headship Coaching Offer to other new headteachers? Why? 

Yes – it provides a layer of support from an objective voice.