Develop your leadership practice in 2025!
12th June 2025
Leadership can be challenging, so we’ve put together a dynamic programme of training and events to support leaders in the music education sector. Whether you’re an aspiring or middle leader, a leader in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, or a senior leader, we’ve got something to support your development.
High Impact Senior Leadership, 23rd September 2025 – 26th March 2026
High Impact Senior Leadership is a virtual leadership development programme specifically designed to offer Heads of Service and Senior Leaders within Music Services, Music Hubs and Schools the time and space to engage in a high-impact leadership development programme.
The programme is led by Andy Hind, who has over 30 years of experience within education, including Headship, National College of Teaching and Leadership Consultancy and OFSTED, and is supporting schools, colleges and Music Services across the UK, Europe and Asia with continual improvement, leadership development and outstanding professional practice.
Participants will be introduced to a range of modern leadership practices whilst also developing essential principles that ensure effective succession planning. Hear from a previous attendee to find out how the course has impacted their work, and sign up here.
I.D.E.A.L Network
The Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible Leaders (I.D.E.A.L) network is for leaders & practitioners in EDI roles, aspiring inclusion leads, and those looking to implement inclusive practices within their organisations. The programme runs on a rolling basis, delivered by SLS 360 and led by their CEO and Founder, Samantha Stimpson.
The network will provide you with opportunities for learning and growth, problem-solving and knowledge-sharing, and peer-to-peer networking. Members of the network will have access to:
- A monthly insight session: a webinar, masterclass, or workshop
- A monthly online network meeting for group discussions, and in-person meetings up to twice a year.
- Peer mentoring and valuable EDI consultancy on tap!
- An online community which includes a resource library, toolkits and a social network platform for Q&A
A limited number of subsidised places are available to Music Mark members. Hear more about the network from Sam Stimpson in this article, and find out how to join the programme here.
Stepping Up To Leadership, 7th October 2025 – 3rd June 2026
Also led by Andy Hind, Stepping Up to Leadership has been designed to consider the ever-changing role of the middle leader and their contribution within highly effective music services, music hubs and schools. The role of middle leader has changed beyond recognition, and they are now expected to play a major role in effective and continual organisational improvement. The role has changed from one of maintenance to authentic leadership, and individuals are expected to step up to this role.
Over six virtual modules, participants will be supported through a series of processes for
increasing leadership capacity and the ability to lead an area of responsibility that focuses on
maximising outcomes. It addresses the key issues of what contributes to success as a leader
and the essential tasks and practices that are needed to ensure maximum impact. Book your place on the course.
The Leadership Collective (TLC) Leadership Development Programme
As the music education sector continues to change and to experience both challenges and opportunities, we know that your senior leadership teams need support to find the best ways of working together, and to create empowered, inclusive and thriving work cultures. Whether you’re managing your organisation during a time of change, want to discover more effective ways of working together as a team, or you’re looking to implement a supportive and energising work culture to allow your employees to thrive, this programme is for you.
A Music Service Leader from the 2024/25 cohort said:
“A great balance of practical, technical, theory and soft-skills, which made the sessions genuinely useful in the long term.”
2025 subsidised places have now been filled; however, if you would like to be considered for the programme, please complete the Expression of Interest form available on the website. Learn more and register now!
Leading Difficult Professional Conversations, 14th October, 1pm – 3pm
Leaders often find themselves navigating overlapping crises within their organisations and are experiencing intense emotion and responsibility regarding these crises. How, then, do we hold difficult conversations in a way that is supportive of others, productive, and meaningful, rather than just superficial or performative? How can we create space for legitimate engagement, particularly regarding content that may be brand new to us?
Instigating a difficult conversation can feel daunting, and there is a natural tendency for managers to delay taking action in the hopes that the issue will be resolved without their intervention. But this is rarely the case.
Peer Groups, Mentoring and Coaching – Available exclusively for Music Mark Members
Don’t forget to make the most of our year-round offer of free peer groups and fully-funded hours of mentoring and coaching for Music Mark Members. Speak to colleagues in similar roles across the music education sector for peer-to-peer learning and collaborative problem-solving, or work with one of our trained mentors or coaches to unlock your potential. Find out more and sign up.
