Early Headship Coaching Offer

Autumn 2026 cohort

The DfE registration portal is closed and will be available soon. If you would like to be informed of when the registration portal opens for the next cohort please fill in our expression of interest form.

About the programme

• Who are you?
• Why join UCL?
• What will you learn?
• What are the benefits for you?
• What are the benefits for your school?
• Is this programme for me?
• How long will it take?
• When will it start and how much will it cost?
• Contact us 

Who are you?

You are eligible for the Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) of structured support and networking opportunities if you meet all of these criteria:

• you are in your first five years of headship
• you are employed in England in a state-funded school or state-funded 16–19 organisation on starting the training
• you have either completed an NPQH before taking up your first headship post or are currently taking one
• you have not withdrawn from the additional support programme previously.

Why join UCL?

The UCL EHCO puts you and your school at the heart of the programme through a professional learning group approach that helps you share your thinking and understanding. Set within a solution focused and supportive framework, the UCL EHCO programme delivered in partnership with The Glass House Leadership Lab is considerate of the pressures of early headship whilst being mindful of the benefits that can be found in supportive networks.

The programme is underpinned by the values of:

• Collegiality and trust.
• Openness and optimism.
• Respect and kindness.
• Excellence and integrity.

What will you learn?

The EHCO peer coaching programme is built upon the four aims of the UCL Centre for Educational Leadership:

• Develop criticality – build evidence-based, theory-informed and innovative approaches to policy and practice.
• Deepen learning – broaden perspectives and forge connections between theory, policy and practice.
• Nurture collaboration – encourage shared thinking within and between communities of learners.
• Activate knowledge – develop and mobilise knowledge and understanding within organisations and systems.
• Enhance equity – promote understanding about, and action around, equity and social justice.

What are the benefits for you?

Our participants have valued the opportunity to reflect, think and learn in a collaborative and supportive environment. Through participating in this programme you will be able to:

• Develop your persona as a Headteacher in a values driven approach to leadership.
• Inspire leaders in your context to lead and drive successful change in your context.
• Deepen your pedagogical knowledge and apply it in your context through a whole school leadership lens.
• Understand how to develop a culture in a school and know how to model it as school.
• Learn how to provide a framework that encourages a safe, sustainable learning culture for pupil progress.
• Access research and materials and have many opportunities to discuss a variety of approaches and models to motivate and grow your teachers.

What are the benefits for your school?

We know that our children and young people need leaders who are committed to their education and are confident learners themselves. Our EHCO programme has been developed with teachers and leaders to:

• Create professionally confident leaders.
• Grow the next generation of leaders with the skills and knowledge to use the evidence-base for the benefit of their children and young people.
• Retain the best leaders who are excellent, collaborative role models for their schools and communities.
• Inspire leaders who can harness the power of rich learning environments for their children and young people no matter the current circumstances. 

Is this programme for me?

Please be aware that the NPQ programmes require a level of proficiency in the use of English equivalent to that of Master’s level study. In particular, participants are expected to demonstrate a high standard of language competency at summative assessment as this is a key requirement of an effective school leader.

A prospective participant who is not confident about their competency at this level is at risk of being unsuccessful due to the English language demands of the programme. UCL does not require participants to formally prove that they have this level of proficiency, but if you are in doubt about this then you should contact UCL prior to applying for a place on an NPQ programme. 

How long will it take?

The EHCO last 12 months and includes:

• 1:1 coaching
• Facilitated Peer Coaching
• Access to leadership and coaching resources.

There is no assessment for the EHCO.

When will it start and how much will it cost?

We recruit to the EHCO throughout the year.

The cost of the UCL EHCO is £800 (+VAT).

Scholarships may be available for this programme.