Headship is one of the toughest roles in the public sector. The first year is decisive. New to Headship: Progress | Solve | Flourish is a high-impact, practical leadership programme designed to support newly appointed headteachers through their first twelve months in post, ensuring they lead with confidence, solve real problems and remain in role. 

This is not a qualification, and it does not duplicate NPQs. It is a flexible, confidential and highly practical blend of coaching, peer challenge and real-time problem solving, delivered by experienced headteachers and executive coaches who understand the realities of the role. 

To support headteachers through the most challenging year of headship 

To build confidence, clarity and leadership effectiveness 

To reduce early attrition and strengthen leadership retention 

To provide timely, expert support when decisions matter most 

Too many headteachers leave within the first five years, often citing isolation, workload and the intensity of early decision-making. This programme directly addresses those pressures by offering structured support, expert challenge and space to think, reflect and act decisively at the point of need. 

September – Setting culture, tone and the first 100 days 

October – Imposter syndrome, strategy and senior team effectiveness 

November – System design: behaviour, calendars and leadership capacity 

December – Reflection, finance, estates and organisational risk 

January – Workload, wellbeing and self-preservation 

February – Spring reset: raising expectations and fixing systems 

March – Avoiding drift: complaints, judgement and decision-making 

April – Conflict resolution and staff retention 

May – Crisis leadership and critical incidents 

June – Challenging upwards in trusts and systems 

July – One-year reflection, impact and next steps 

Delivered through a mix of one-to-one coaching, group workshops and confidential problem-solving sessions. Content remains flexible and responsive to context. 

Headteachers of Primary or Secondary schools 

In their first year of headship 

Maintained schools, academies and trust settings 

Full Programme Access

All modules September–July, monthly one-to-one coaching, group sessions and bespoke flexibility. 

Core Plus

Six core modules plus any two additional months of choice. 

Open Modular Access

Choose any two or more stand-alone modules for targeted support. 

This programme sits at the heart of Kanevolve’s 2026 leadership offer. Designed and delivered by experienced headteachers and ILM Level 7 coaches, it combines credibility, compassion and challenge with one clear aim: helping new headteachers stay in post and flourish in one of the most rewarding leadership roles in education.