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How do I develop coaching in my school or organisation?

drawing of two people seated

Spending time with staff on the rationale for coaching and mentoring, and winning commitment to the process and benefits, is a vital stage in developing school practice. Nevertheless, the visible commitment of the headteacher and other school leaders is essential if there is to be integrity in the whole-school approach.

Even staff who are open to coaching can find it difficult to find time to make it happen, so it is important to use or create structures, systems and funding to support coaching. Clearly, this will often require an investment in both time and money. Coaching is an investment in the future, so invest early for long-term gain.

"How can we make sure we do it well?"

Equip staff

School leaders will need to consider a number of issues in building capacity for coaching in their school.

  • investing in skills development
  • being clear about the core skills
  • the importance of evidence

Learn more about how coaching can impact on school improvement

The publication 'Coaching for teaching and learning: a practical guide for schools', covers a number of different aspects of coaching and provides a concise and useful way for you to consider different techniques and approaches. It looks at how these techniques can influence how individuals and teams develop teaching and learning skills which directly link school improvement. More information about coaching for teaching and learning.

Real-world example: integrate coaching, mentoring and performance management

Sweyne Park Secondary School has developed a database of staff expertise which is used to support staff who wish to develop a skill or practice. Through mentoring sessions, staff are encouraged to observe a colleague who has been identified as having particular skills in a particular subject or teaching strategy. Staff feel comfortable about being observed and discussing aspects of their practice where they have identified a problem or where coaching support has been offered.

Create links and networks

Schools with highly developed cultures of coaching commonly have links with other organisations and networks that support their work and provide new expertise, knowledge and stimulus for reflection and development. Such links and networks help sustain and develop coaching within the school.

These schools also contribute to the education system by spreading their successes, knowledge and expertise to other schools via these links.

Further reading on action implications for those wishing to embed coaching practices in their sachool is available in the publication Leading Coaching in Schools.