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Creating your own model

If you are considering an alternative model of leadership or partnership, we can provide a range of advice, resources and toolkits that will help you identify which model is right for you. This article introduces and defines these resource tools and summarises the various capabilities of each.

Exploring models of leadership toolkit

This is a practical toolkit that school and multi-agency leaders can use to explore and visualise alternative models of leadership and governance that will fit their context and purpose. It has been designed to be used in small groups within a short team workshop session (one to two hours) - although we would encourage you to use it however you feel it could be useful to you or your colleagues.

The toolkit is broken down into ten sections and can be downloaded below:

  1. research introduction and rationale
  2. four steps to exploring models of leadership
  3. building your model
  4. case studies
  5. case study 1: family of schools
  6. case study 2: 14–19 partnership
  7. case study 3: ECM (whole town) approach
  8. case study 4: hard federation
  9. how to use the toolkit
  10. PowerPoints and graphic icons for your use

Redesigning headship tool

The redesigning headship tool resulted from a research and development project involving a group of current, former and future headteachers, plus designers, supported by the National College. It aims to examine distributed leadership possibilities.

The tool provides a simple, visual space to explore how leadership tasks might be distributed. It can be used online with a normal pc or on an interactive whiteboard. The tool is based on a number of core functions of the headteacher role, which can be allocated to individuals based on job descriptions.

For further information see:

Models of leadership information resources

We have produced a series of short, practical resources on different models of leadership and partnerships for school leaders, governors and local authorities who are exploring more flexible approaches to leading schools.

Models of leadership visual tool

This models of leadership tool provides an introduction to the key components of implementing a collaborative leadership and governance design. The tool will take you through the stories of a number of real-life examples of developing collaborations.

The online element of the tool is designed to showcase the full version of the kit. This full version can be used either independently or with support from our models of leadership associates. It may be used to communicate a plan or idea, to support discussion and planning, or simply to explore, visually, potential ideas.

For further information see:

Bridge Change Leadership framework

The Bridge Change Leadership framework provides tools, in the form of 'levers', to enable change leaders to diagnose and tackle issues within complex change programmes. The key to ensuring that these programmes maintain momentum through to a successful conclusion lies not just in rational implementation but also in emotional investment.

By addressing these issues, the Bridge Change Leadership Framework seeks to break moulds of ‘old thinking' and, by ensuring that rationality and emotion are twinned, create genuine partnerships with shared accountability and real prospects for succession planning.

For further information see:

Frequently asked questions

Our frequently asked questions section provides a useful resource drawn from a number of school leaders and associates working with alternative models of school leadership.

Case studies

We have lots of case studies featuring schools and academies that are implementing different models of leadership to suit their context and circumstances.