Does every school leader need a coach?

Coaching is becoming ever more commonplace in education. But is it worth it? And how do you get the most out of it? Tes speaks to a raft of leaders to find out

Full article By Ben Jones

Liz Free, director and chief executive of International School Rheintal

In 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, I took up my first chief executive and director role, in an international school in Switzerland. Despite decades of working in education and with a strong basis in leadership development, there is no rule book for taking the reins of an organisation in such circumstances.

I held steady in my first few months, firefighting, watching and learning. I had a clear remit to move the school from a start-up phase into an established high-performing school. However, bringing about change in the midst of change was challenging and isolating. When should I push and when should I tread water?

It was at this time that I was able to access executive coaching through the British School of Coaching. I had four sessions over a period of about six months. I already knew the direction of travel but I was caught up in decision making about how to take the small steps to enable us to make the giant leaps.  

‘It is so important when you are in leadership to have safe spaces with an independent voice, to explore ideas free of judgement’

I was surprised by how, with this dedicated time of a professional conversation, and with someone delving deeper and asking the killer questions, I was able to clarify my own thinking. It was like the haze lifted and I could see a path clearly through. 

It is so important when you are in leadership to have safe spaces with an independent voice, to explore ideas free of judgement. Finding the time to think deeply with a coach was absolutely invaluable in giving me the clarity and confidence to move forward.

You can read the full article at Tes magazine.