Preparing to Lead Academic Departments - Tuesday 10 March 2026 (Francis Holland School, Sloane Square)

This course is for: Aspiring Heads of Academic Departments and Heads of Academic Departments-designate.

Description

Please note, Heads of Department already in post may wish to consider the Independent Schools’ Qualification in Academic Management (ISQAM) rather than this course, details of which can be found here.

What will you gain by attending?:

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 Programme

Time	Session
09:30 – 10.00	Arrival, registration, and coffee
10.00 – 10.05	Welcome and introduction
10.05 – 11.10	Session 1: Leadership
11.10 – 11.30	Refreshment break
11.30 – 12.30	Session 2: Scenarios
12.30 – 13.25	Lunch
13.25 - 14.00	Session 3: Expectations of a Head of Department: A Personal Reflection Alexandra Haydon, Head, Francis Holland Sloane Square
14.00 – 14.20	Refreshment break
14.20 –15.35	Session 4: Strategy, interviews, and leading the team
15.35 – 15.55	Session 5: Lesson observations
15.55 – 16.00	Final comments, close and depart