A South Cumbrian school said its staff have been given extra confidence after it linked up with a county training organisation.
Dallam School, in Milnthorpe, said its recent staff survey reported an instant 25% uplift just weeks after partnering with Leader Connect, a Kendal-based leadership development organisation founded by Neil Jurd OBE, to deliver training to its senior teaching staff.
The Leader Connect programme focused on practical, purpose-driven skills designed to empower the school’s 21-strong extended leadership team to communicate more effectively, work collaboratively, make better decisions under pressure, and build good working relationships with their students, colleagues and the wider school community.
Headteacher Steven Henneberry said: “Like many schools, Dallam faces complex challenges: Recruitment and retention of staff, the need for consistent, high-quality teaching, and ensuring good pupil behaviour.
“By continuing to invest in leadership, we help our staff feel empowered, confident and equipped with the skills they need to create the climate, routines and culture in which students flourish.
“Building bottom-up leadership strengthens accountability, builds momentum for improvement and ensures that the responsibility for our school’s success is shared – not just held by a few.
“Although the Leader Connect programme has only recently begun, Dallam School is already seeing encouraging signs of impact.
“The latest whole-staff survey shows a 25% increase in confidence in school leadership since the summer, with improvements seen across all departments in school.
“The Leader Connect accreditation is giving every member of our extended leadership team an understanding of what great leadership looks and feels like. Crucially, it is helping build confidence.
“Our staff already lead brilliantly day to day; this programme validates their skills, deepens their expertise and gives them the professional recognition they deserve.
“Every teacher is a leader – of classrooms, of young people, and of key moments that shape the culture of the school. By upskilling all our leaders, we raise the standard of consistency, clarity and direction across the school.
“This programme will help colleagues understand themselves better, communicate more effectively and lead teams and students with greater purpose.
“We are committed to developing our people and ensuring they feel equipped, valued and confident.”
Neil Jurd OBE, a former British Army officer, leadership instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Director of Initial Officer Training for the Army Cadet Force, founded Leader Connect to make high-quality leadership development accessible and relevant to real workplaces.
He said: “Working with Dallam School is an excellent opportunity to support a team that is already committed to the development and wellbeing of all its students, teachers and support staff, improving educational outcomes and empowering good decision-making and accountability at all levels to ensure the school is as well run and high performing as it can possibly be.
“Leadership isn’t about rank or hierarchy; it is about clarity, connection and purpose. When teachers feel equipped to do their job to the best of abilities, empowered to suggest improvements and feel recognised and supported, then the whole school benefits and the pupils will be able to achieve their full potential.”
Steven added: “This is a moment for us as a school – a chance to invest deeply in our people and empower colleagues at every level. I’m excited to watch our leadership team grow in confidence and cohesion, and to see that ripple out into classrooms, corridors and the wider culture.
“This training marks the next stage of our journey; I’m proud Dallam is taking such a bold and positive step. It directly supports our vision that everyone should belong, learn and thrive – staff and students alike.”
