The Small Schools' Programme returns for 2025 and comprises of a series of half termly briefings, discussion groups and additional resources, focused on the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by small schools. The sessions will be facilitated by our experienced team of advisers and our speakers will be hand-picked for their innovative and successful approaches to leading a small school.
The first series has been very well received, earning a BETT Award nomination for Leadership and Management Solutions for 2025 and an endorsement from Neil Short, Chairman of the National Association of Small Schools.
'On behalf of the National Association of Small Schools (NASS) I am delighted to recommend the Small Schools Programme devised and developed by HFL. The sessions which I saw were amongst the best specifically devoted to small schools I have ever seen. The innovative format, with the subject focus being narrowed by each of the speaker until its development and implementation within the small school by practitioners, provided lessons for all listeners. Indeed NASS included examples of the first of the sessions in one of our Newsletters and passed the word to colleagues whenever possible..
I am delighted the programme will be continuing into the future and will look forward to learning more about the ways in which small schools can prove their value to the wider world of education.'
Dr James Inglis, headteacher at Northaw CE Primary School shares a video testimonial about how the school benefited from the programme which is available below
What are the aims of the Small Schools' Programme?
Leaders of small schools face unique challenges and opportunities. Whilst leadership in a small school can sometimes feel like navigating turbulent waters, the context of a small school also offers leaders the opportunity to be agile and adaptable. In dialogue with small schools, we have developed a programme that provides the opportunity for leaders to meet and share their experience of these challenges and opportunities as well as to explore the hot topics in education through the lens of a small school.
Returning in January 2025, our programme of bite-sized inputs and follow-up discussion groups is designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of leaders of small schools. The sessions will include case studies shared by those at the chalkface and time to explore the thought processes and decisions made, helping leaders of small schools to manage the challenges of their context and make the most of opportunities.
What is included in the Small Schools' Programme?
Our innovative, low cost, school informed programme comprises of four sessions (with a bonus session also available) covering a range of topics including using AI in small schools and effective resource management. We are delighted that our first session in the new programme will feature a special session with Dr Emma Kell who will be supporting leaders to prioritise their own wellbeing – something we know lots of leaders in small schools leave to the bottom of their ‘to do’ list.
In addition to the live online sessions, all the information, recordings and resources will be available to those who book on the programme on the HFL Hub.
The bonus session, focused on ITT and delivered in collaboration with two Teaching School Hubs, takes place on Tuesday 25th February 2025. The session will be separately bookable and free to attend. Details to follow.
What are the benefits of participating in the Small Schools' Programme?
With a different area in focus each half term, briefings will cover the main areas for leaders of small schools to consider, followed by case studies delivered by colleagues working in and with small schools. The sessions are designed to empower school leaders by providing advice, access to helpful, timely blogs and resources to implement for successful outcomes in their setting.
Small Schools' Programme delivery
The sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 5pm.
Date Session Focus
22.01.25 Headteacher well-being in a small school
12.03.25 Using AI to support school workload in a small school
07.05.25 Creative and strategic problem solving & resources for your small school
02.07.25 Considering the new Ofsted framework and your small school
Participation costs
The programme costs £150* per school, which includes all four webinars and access to recordings.
For further information or queries, please contact the HFL Events team at training@hfleducation.org or call 01438 544477.
*prices are excluding VAT
I was interested to sign up for a place on the Small Schools Programme as it is difficult to find training that specifically addresses our schools' needs. The flexibility of the sessions being accessed live and/or recorded worked well for me but I tried to attend most of them live. I was able to share parts of the recordings with key members of staff. The structure and pace of the sessions were well organised - my favourite parts were hearing first-hand from serving heads and leadership teams about their experience. I have taken much of their advice and used many of their tips.
S Bridgman, Executive Headteacher, Thundridge and Ponsbourne Primary Schools
Dr James Inglis, Headteacher at Northaw CE Primary School, talks about how the school has benefited from the HFL Small Schools' Programme.
