Leading the How of Change is a bespoke programme for Headteachers and those who hold the GTCS Standard for Headship. The programme is aimed at participants who want to further develop their knowledge and skills to effectively lead the ‘how’ of change within their settings.

Drawing on a hugely successful pilot year, participants will use success analysis coaching and action learning sets, allowing time and space for clear thinking. Through facilitated learning, participants will be able to network with other leaders from across Scotland to explore key conventions of leading change, informed by practical leadership experience and research-based thinking.

This year there we have two new research inputs so that those who attended last year are welcome to apply again.

Leading the How of Change takes place over the course of one day and participants can apply to attend one of the following options:

Application window 1 – 2025

Thursday 30 October 2025 – Glasgow

Thursday 13 November 2025 – Aberdeen

Thursday 20 November 2025– Stirling

Monday 01 December 2025 – online via Microsoft Teams

Application window 2 - 2026

Tuesday 27 January 2026 – Glasgow

Tuesday 03 February 2026 – Dundee

Thursday 26 February 2026 – Edinburgh

Tuesday 03 March 2026 – online via Microsoft Teams

Thursday 21st May 2026 – online via Microsoft Teams

Our facilitated day is repeated across different venues and is also available online for those who cannot attend in person. All necessary time and space is made available on the day. The day may generate new thinking and we offer an online collaboration space for participants to continue sharing with each other after the day.

Participants will also have access to all our wider online self-directed learning (PLAs).

The Education Scotland Code of Conduct has been created to support the effective participation of all attendees and is designed around the respect, privacy and compassionate communication.

Please read this code before you attend any Education Scotland professional learning programmes, webinars or events.

“A great day of collaboration – it was relaxed but so thought provoking – I loved it.”
HT, Primary

“Leadership remains complex – yet there is commonality – and talking about different challenges in the action learning sets has helped me gain invaluable insights from other leaders.”
HT, Secondary

“I feel like I have been seen and heard today and am so grateful...”
HT, Primary

Read how one participant found the pilot programme: 
Leading the How of Change: A unique professional learning offer for headteachers

Read about the journey of creating our programme:
Leading the How of Change: a brief overview of a programme we designed alongside senior leaders

Choose a date and venue to suit. You should apply for only one – we cannot accept multiple applications.

Applicants will be awarded a place on a first come, first served basis. There are a limited number of places available at each venue, and we anticipate high demand for these. If you can no longer attend please contact us as soon as possible so that we may award your place to someone else.

Applications will be open from 9am on Monday 18 August until 11.45pm on Friday 05 September, but please note that places are limited, and we may need to close before this date if the number of applications exceed the venue capacity.

Application window 1 – 2025

Please click the link below to take you to the application form for your preferred venue.

Thursday 30 October 2025 – Glasgow

Thursday 13 November 2025 – Aberdeen

Thursday 20 November 2025 – Stirling

Monday 01 December 2025 – online via Microsoft Teams

Application window 2 - 2026 (applications open 01 December 2025)

Tuesday 27 January 2026 – Glasgow

Tuesday 03 February 2026 – Dundee

Thursday 26 February 2026 – Edinburgh

Tuesday 03 March 2026 – online via Microsoft Teams

Thursday 21st May 2026 – online via Microsoft Teams

Any application-related queries should be directed to: edspll@educationscotland.gov.scot

We look forward to working with you.