Preparing to Lead Academic Departments - Tuesday 14 October 2025 (Venue TBC)

This course is for: Aspiring Heads of Academic Departments and Heads of Academic Departments-designate. Please note, Heads of Department already in post may wish to consider the Independent Schools’ Qualification in Academic Management rather than this course, details of which can be found at www.hmcpd.org.uk

Description

Course Outcomes: by the end of the course delegates will

  • Understand the characteristics of excellent academic leadership
  • Gain clarity on what is expected of a middle leader in an academic role
  • Learn about the application, interview and recruitment process
  • Understand how to make a successful transition to an academic middle leadership role
  • Explore and discuss scenarios you are likely to face in an academic leadership role, and how to approach them in practice

Course Leader Biography: 

Alistair Hopkins has worked in education for over 20 years. He has worked in both the independent and state sector. He has been a head of department in two schools, a deputy head (academic) and a head. He has a degree in English Language and Literature and a Masters in Educational Leadership. Before becoming an English teacher, he was a journalist.  

Delegate Feedback:

"An excellent course delivered clearly and with enormously helpful information. "

"Great to look at actual scenarios that can (and likely will) happen, and have the opportunity to discuss my ideas with others to see if they actually match"

"I found the course very useful and it’s given me a much clearer idea of what it would mean to be a HoD and the sorts of questions I should be asking myself over the next year or so. Thank you."