The programme is for current middle leaders and those who have a whole school /setting responsibility or area of focus, but may not currently hold a formal leadership position.

Although the underpinning research is schools based, Middle Leaders Leading Change is open to CLD and ELC educators and practitioners as well as teachers.

Programme aims:

Leading their own learning, participants will:

• Self-awareness: develop awareness of individual areas of strength / development needs and how this awareness can inform improvements to leadership
• Anti-racism: develop an understanding of identity, privilege and power and how to actively encourage and celebrate diversity
• Leadership of change: develop knowledge, understanding and confidence in the use of different models to lead and scaffold change.
• Coaching as a model of practice: enhance awareness and knowledge of coaching approaches for leadership and increase confidence in practising these.

Participants undertake online learning and a Change Initiative in their setting to put their learning into practice.

Participants undertake 7 online professional learning activities (PLAs). To access the PLAs, you will need toopen an account at the Education Scotland website. The PLAs are:

• Self-awareness for middle leaders
• Understanding middle leadership
• Change Models
• Using data to lead change
• Engaging others in change
• Anti-racism (choose from 3 options)
• Coaching (choose from 3 options)

In addition, you will plan and undertake a Change Initiative in your setting, to put your learning into practice.

There are 4 optional live online sessions to support your learning. See Duration and key dates below for more details. Recordings will be available after each of the live sessions.

To complete the programme and receive a certificate, participants are required to complete the 7 PLAs and submit a completed Change Initiative template.

We recommend you complete the programme over 12 (working) months, though recognise it may take longer for some, depending on the nature of the Change Initiative.

You can start and finish the programme at times to suit you.

Each PLA takes 3-4 hours to complete.

The 4 optional online sessions each last one hour.

In addition, time will be required in your setting to put the learning into practice through your Change Initiative. Provisional dates are:

• Tuesday 16th September – Introduction
• Monday 8th November – Planning touchpoint
• Tuesday 10th March – Completion touchpoint
• Tuesday 9th June – Sharing the Learning

In addition, time will be required in your setting to put the learning into practice through your Change Initiative.

Here are some post-programme comments from the 2023-24 cohort about how they felt the programme had a positive impact on themselves and others:

‘Every aspect of the course was both relevant and so interesting. It not only helped me to reflect on my practice as middle leader but as a person, mother, friend, partner.’

‘Reflection on my own position, role and practice has developed my confidence in leading staff members.’

‘I think it has empowered me to subsequently empower my staff to effect change in a highly supportive environment. This, then, has had a positive impact on the learner experience across my faculty.’

‘Able to promote collegiate leadership and bring colleague strengths to the fore.’

‘The MLLC programme has equipped me with the skills to be more confident in leading whole school change. I have opportunities to lead change throughout my school with various curriculum developments and learning about change models has helped me to implement robust strategic improvements which has resulted in increased staff skill, confidence and motivation as well as raised engagement for pupils.’

‘Brilliant CLPL to anchor your thinking and provide space to think about the impact change can bring.’

‘Children now have equitable opportunities to participate in wider achievement activities which are systematically tracked and monitoring.’

‘I believe I will be a better leader because of the knowledge I have gained on this course.’

‘I think it has encouraged me to be more open in my outlooks. Has reminded me to lead with authenticity and be more honest with colleagues when I don't know the answer. This has helped my colleagues to open up with me further and feel more able to approach me with a problem.’

There is no need to apply. You can get started here whenever you are ready.

You will need to have, or open an account at the Education Scotland website.

Please note that your Local Authority may offer a version of Middle Leaders Leading Change, in partnership with Education Scotland, that is adapted to meet the needs of your locality. You may wish to check local professional learning bulletins to see if this option is open to you.

Yes. Local Authorities and settings can facilitate Middle Leaders Leading Change using the resources in the programme pages. A downloadable Introductory session PowerPoint presentation with facilitation notes is provided. You can make use of the recorded sessions as they become available too. If you would like to deliver the programme in your setting, team, cluster or Local Authority, please contact edspll@educationscotland.gov.scot for more information and support.