The Leading Professional Learning programme is designed for anyone leading a culture of professional learning across their whole school/setting, or cluster or local authority. Participation in this program does not require a formal leadership position.

The Leading Professional Learning programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to lead a culture of transformational professional learning.

The program will focus on:

National model of professional learning: Participants will delve into Scotland’s professional learning model, exploring its principles and practical applications in their own settings.

Collective efficacy: Through focused exploration, participants will understand the powerful connection between collective efficacy and fostering a collaborative environment for impactful professional learning.

Coaching approaches to facilitate learning: Participants will learn best practices for incorporating coaching techniques to guide colleagues toward reflection, growth and professional development.

Understanding what makes professional learning transformative: Participants will critically reflect on research around what makes professional learning transformative and how this can be applied within their own settings.

Professional learning self-evaluation tool: The programme provides participants with access to a dedicated professional learning self-evaluation tool.

Learning from programme alumni and building community: The programme fosters a collaborative learning environment by providing opportunities to learn from past participants and engage with a professional learning community of practice.

The Leading Professional Learning Programme recognises that educators have diverse learning styles and schedules. We offer a variety of flexible learning models to ensure you can participate in a way that best suits your needs and preferences.

The programme is structured in three different ways as follows:

National facilitated programme

Core Day Online: Participate in an online session with other educators across Scotland.

Engage with Professional Learning Activities: Self-directed learning using our online Professional Learning Activities (PLAs). You will need an account on our website to access these PLAs. Self-directed learning using our online Professional Learning Activities (PLAs). You will need an account on our website to access these PLAs, and you will be required to complete three as part of the programme.

Touchpoint Online: Participate in one online session, to stay updated, access professional learning resources, and receive support in the leadership of professional learning. Connect with the program team and fellow participants.

National Collaborative Community in Glow

Professional Learning Online Exchange Summit

Professional Learning Activities (PLA) and Professional Learning Resources (PLR)

You will be asked to complete PLAs as part of this programme. PLAs are challenging, online self-directed learning resources that are designed to provide information and prompt reflection on key themes relevant to learning and teaching. They are mapped to the relevant professional standards.

PLAs associated with the programme are:

• coaching to lead professional learning
• collective efficacy to lead professional learning
• leading effective professional learning

You will have access to Leading Professional Learning Resources (PLRs) throughout the program and beyond. PLRs are a series of planned workshops designed to equip you with valuable tools and strategies for leading professional learning with colleagues in your school or setting.

These workshops are offered in addition to this program, providing ongoing support for you to facilitate effective professional learning in your own setting.

PLRs associated with the programme are:

• leadership of professional learning
• coaching to lead professional learning
• enquiry in education

To complete the programme and receive a certificate, participants are required to complete and submit an artifact.

The program runs from November 2024 to June 2025.

Applications will be open between Monday 12 August 2025 and Friday 13 September 2025. 

If you’d like us to stay in touch and let you know about future professional learning opportunities, please complete this short form. 

As the Professional Learning and Leadership Team is currently funded by Scottish Government to develop a suite of programmes, participation in the programme is free to access for Scotland based early learning and school settings.

As part of our commitment to the continuous improvement of Scottish Government funded courses, we rely on your completed programme evaluation.

Contact us for further information about this programme. Please use the programme title 'Leading Professional Learning' in the subject line.