Small Schools' Programme 3.0

All good things come in threes and the Small Schools' Programme is one of those exceptionally good things!

Building on the success of our first two series of the programme, we are delighted to announce the third instalment of the HFL Small Schools’ Programme.

We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the first two series. Following feedback from a range of leaders in small schools we felt it was important to continue this work and have taken on board suggestions for further sessions.

Starting in September 2025, with six sessions planned for each half term across the 2025/2026 academic year, we will focus on a range of topics hearing from leaders working in small schools in Hertfordshire and beyond.

The initial series was met with great enthusiasm, and we hope to see both new and familiar faces join us for this new series. Participants will continue to hear from a range of speakers, including current headteachers of smaller schools, delving into both the principles/theory and practical strategies to enhance their own and their colleagues’ professional lives.

Learning outcomes:

• Explore areas of education and school leadership that are particularly pertinent to smaller schools and the current educational climate
• Hear from a range of speakers, including current headteachers of smaller schools
• Consider the theory and principles as well as the practicalities and ‘real world’ solutions fellow headteachers are applying
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities with like-minded colleagues from across the country

Session dates and topics:

There will be six sessions in the programme for 2025-2026. All sessions run from 3:30-5:00pm and the topics planned are as follows:

Session 1: 25th September 2025 - Thriving not surviving - nurturing headteacher wellbeing as the leader of a smaller school

Session 2: 13th November 2025 - Managing parental complaints

Session 3: 15th January 2026 - Addressing the ongoing challenge of curriculum construction in a smaller school

Session 4: 19th March 2026 - The new Ofsted framework and your small school

Session 5: 21st May 2026 - Managing staff grievances

Session 6: 9th July 2026 - Excellence in provision for pupils with a SEN/D in a smaller school

Cost:

£206 per school for all 6 webinars and recordings. Includes up to 7 licenses per ticket.