NCA sought to move beyond traditional CPD by integrating instructional coaching with the strategic use of IRIS Connect video technology. The ambition was not simply to train coaches, but to build a sustainable coaching culture rooted in reflective practice, professional trust and high-quality dialogue.

1. Whole-Staff Launch – Developing a Coaching Culture

A full-staff INSET introduced coaching behaviours, core skills (listening, questioning, feedback) and the structure of the year-long programme. Dedicated time with the coaching team established shared methodology, expectations and project targets.

2. Six Twilight Sessions – Coaching with IRIS Connect

A structured series of six twilight sessions developed coaches’ understanding of established coaching models, strengthened their active listening and questioning skills, and deepened their ability to build trust and psychological safety. 

3. Coaching-Based Line Management

The programme extended into leadership practice, developing middle and senior leaders to conduct more purposeful, coaching-informed line management conversations. This included a leadership conference, structured follow-up sessions and senior leader workshops designed to embed coaching as a leadership habit.

What distinguishes the NCA project is its deliberate fusion of:

• Instructional coaching
• Video-based self-reflection through IRIS Connect
• Leadership development
• Whole-school cultural alignment

Rather than using video as a monitoring tool, the academy positioned it as a catalyst for professional growth. Coaching conversations became evidence-informed, reflective and developmental — reducing defensiveness and increasing ownership.

This created a shared language of improvement across teachers and leaders alike.

Early impact has been both cultural and practical. Staff report a shift towards more open professional dialogue and greater confidence in engaging in developmental conversations.

As SJ Eastwood, Assistant Principal at North Cambridge Academy, noted:

“Kanevolve Coaching has been invaluable to me and my colleagues as we lead our school's new coaching initiative. In addition to benefiting from John Kane’s extensive expertise, we have consistently found him to be flexible, highly supportive, and willing to go above and beyond to meet our training needs. His communication and delivery are outstanding; staff have thoroughly enjoyed his sessions, and we are already seeing a positive impact on our school culture.” 

North Cambridge Academy now has:

• A trained and confident coaching team
• Structured, high-quality coaching conversations rooted in real classroom evidence
• Leaders equipped to use coaching as a driver for performance and growth
• A sustainable framework for embedding reflective practice long term

The project represents a distinctive and innovative model of instructional coaching — combining technology, professional trust and disciplined methodology to enhance teaching and leadership across the academy.