In partnership with

Pathway to Senior Leadership: Flourishing Emerging Leader Programme

Why this Course?

Suitable for:

Teachers and support staff in their 3rd year and beyond with an aspiration to move into middle and senior leadership, or who are already working in a middle leadership role

About the programme:

The Flourishing Emerging Leader Programme is a 15-18–month programme for those at the heart of school life—shaping curriculum, leading teaching, supporting pupil wellbeing, and creating environments where both staff and pupils can truly flourish. The programme caters for those working in both academic and non-academic aspects of school life.

Course content:

The course provides carefully designed content, coaching and facilitation for participants to learn, reflect and connect with each other as they explore and develop their leadership through five domains of flourishing (Swaner & Wolfe 2021). Big questions unpicked during the course include: how does my purpose and vision help me to be the leader I want to be and to lead my team well? How can I lead others with strong and compassionate relationships which show I listen, care and follow through? How can I lead the teaching, learning and growth of pupils and colleagues, building on theirs and my strengths? What do I already have around me (people, time, tools) that I can utilise to make a difference? What do I need to stay grounded, energised and flourishing as I grow and how do I support others in this?

Incredible opportunities:

You will be gifted with time out of school to train and develop during this programme, including a kick-off conference at Bishopthorpe Palace, termly coaching, and networking opportunities across the trust and beyond.

An international movement rooted in a local community:

This programme is being completed by school staff around the world. The Flourishing movement is an evidence-informed international approach that nurtures both personal growth and leadership transformation. Leaders are encouraged to reflect deeply on their values, beliefs and identity – because flourishing schools begin with flourishing individuals.

Learning Environment

Emerging leaders join a trust-wide group, guided by Pathfinder senior leaders, where they become part of a supportive and collaborative Community of Practice.
Colleagues are offered a mix of synchronous and asynchronous engagement. Surrounded by like-minded leaders working in similar contexts, colleagues are supported to build confidence, share ideas, and grow their leadership together.

For each of the 5 modules, you will engage with an online 20 minute diagnostic, 2 x 1 hour webinars, self study materials to engage with, coaching, and a face-to-face 4 hour session.

Curriculum

The Flourishing Domains

The Flourishing Leaders programmes focuses on five interconnected domains that create the conditions for thriving in schools.

Flourishing Together

Purpose

A clear, shared purpose unites everyone in the school community, providing direction and meaning. It inspires collective commitment to a common vision grounded in the school’s identity, mission and values.

Relationships

Flourishing depends on the quality of our relationships. When pupils, teachers, leaders and families feel valued and connected, schools become inclusive communities where everyone can thrive within a supportive and innovative environment.

Teaching and Learning

Pupil success is closely linked to the ongoing learning of teachers and the wider school community. By working together as a ‘community of practice,’ teachers continually develop their skills, fostering intellectual growth alongside shared values and mutual respect.

Resources and Expertise

The environment matters. Beyond having sufficient physical, technological and human resources, flourishing requires responsible stewardship—valuing, sharing and managing resources fairly to support all members of the school community.

Wellbeing

The wellbeing of pupils and staff is vital. Healthy habits and resilience enable flourishing, but leaders must prioritise their own wellbeing first to maintain their capacity to support others effectively and avoid burnout.

Applications Welcome

This course is fully funded by Pathfinder Multi-Academy Trust.

We welcome applications from colleagues across the Trust. Please note that once you have submitted your application, a reference will be requested from your Headteacher as part of the application process. As such, we advise you speak with them in the first instance and then begin your application.

Our February 2027 programme cohort is capped at 20 colleagues. We expect a high volume of applications. Please ensure you take your time to complete the application to your highest standard. Please get in touch with the Pathfinder Education Partnership team if you require any support.

Applications from colleagues representing diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are especially welcome.

Please click here to apply.

Course Dates

Please note that that the kick-off conference is at Bishopthorpe Palace in January/February 2027. The programme will finish summer term 2028.

Course dates will be confirmed before the Christmas break.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve seen it says “Church of England” – Do I have to be a committed Christian to complete the course?

No – the curriculum for each course has been designed and developed by the National Society of Education which is a part of the Church of England professional development team. Each course contains optional modules for those looking to bring their faith and Christian values into their practice, but all compulsory content is produced for a wide, diverse and multi-faith background.

What is flourishing?
The course curriculum stems from the international evidence-based flourishing movement. You can find out more by clicking the links below:
Who can I speak to about doing this course?
Chat to your Line Manager or Headteacher in the first instance. The Pathfinder Education Partnership team will also be happy to pick up the phone and chat to you if you’d like to get in touch.
What do I have to do to apply?
The application process is a multi-stage process. You’ll submit an application form, we will then send a suitability reference request to your Line Manager/Headteacher. Following this we will shortlist applications and share the outcome with you from week beg. 1st December 2025. Applications are not first come, first serve, they are based on merit and suitability. That said, we ask that you don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application!
How much space do you have on each course?
Flourishing Emerging Leaders – 20 places
Flourishing Headteachers – 10 places
I’m thinking of moving onto another school and/or job soon? Should I apply?
We never enjoy saying goodbye to our staff and really hope that those who take part in our programmes are committed to Pathfinder and being in this for the long term. If you did leave, you would no-longer have a place on our course as the course is for Pathfinder staff only and not open to external and individually participating staff.
One of the documents says “Emmanuel” – what is this?
Pathfinder has been asked to facilitate the Flourishing Headteacher Programme for a cohort of staff based in a neighbouring trust – Emmanuel Foundation Trust. If you’re on the Headteacher programme, we have decided to mix you together for the Webinars, but for all other activities, you will be separated from each other.
Is there an assessment?
Yes – but don’t worry! The assessment for Emerging Leaders is a one page summary poster of your key learnings, actions and insights. The assessment for the Headteachers is a short presentation to a small audience. We take your needs into account and will provide full training and support before the assessment process begins.
What’s the celebration at the end?
The final face-to-face event brings both programme cohorts together for a final celebration. The poster summaries from our emerging leaders will be presented across the room and we will provide an opportunity for networking, drinks, nibbles and inspirational insights and next steps.