Professional supervision
Register today for your fully funded professional supervision.
Go direct to apply here: School leaders | FE college leaders
The whole process was transformational. I feel almost put back on my feet, on steady ground, with a bag of tools, to help me when things become challenging. I am very grateful for the opportunity and my supervisor.School leader
You’ll meet for six online sessions with a fully qualified supervisor who understands the education sector.
Supervision has a professional focus and is totally confidential. It is time dedicated to your role as an education leader, and will help you to improve your wellbeing.
We’ve supported over 1300 school and college leaders so far. Subjects that are explored in supervision can include:
- Dealing with emotionally challenging aspects of your role
- Balancing a demanding career with a healthy home-life
- Your professional identity and the personal cost of doing your job
- Managing tricky work relationships
- Reconnecting with what’s great about a career in education
Supervision makes a real difference to the lives and wellbeing of leaders. Studies show that supervision is associated with job satisfaction, improved emotional wellbeing and less burnout (Dawson et al, 2013).
It won’t fix the wider sector challenges you face, but it can give you a safety net while you meet them.
When we asked people about their experience of our supervision service, we found:
94%
reported being better able to manage times of stress
99%
of participants said they would recommend the service to a friend or colleague
92%
of participants felt connected to their sense of purpose after completing supervision
We’re here for you, so you can continue to be there for your community.
Watch our video to find out more about professional supervision.
School leaders
We offer Professional Supervision across England and Wales thanks to funding from the Department of Education and Welsh Government. Please note:
- Different leadership roles are eligible, depending on if you are based in England and Wales, so please go to the relevant application form below.
- You must be able to commit to attending six online sessions of professional supervision (one hour per session, approximately once every three to four weeks) during the working day.
- Please only apply on behalf of yourself. Forward the link on to any colleague who might benefit so they can apply themselves.
- Please note that there is currently a waiting time of approximately 6-8 weeks.
Our applications for English school leaders have reached capacity for September. Please check back on this page to find out when applications will re-open.
If you need any support in the meantime please call our free and confidential helpline on 08000 562 561.
Further education leaders
Principals CEOs / deputy principals and deputy CEOs / senior leaders reporting directly to the principal / CEO in England:
- This service is for Principals and CEOs, vice / deputy / assistant Principals and CEOs and senior leaders reporting directly to the Principal / CEO) in statutory FE colleges (General FE Colleges, Sixth Form Colleges, Designated Institutions (legally recognised under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992) and 16 – 19 Academies)
- You must be able to commit to attending six sessions of professional supervision (one hour per session, approximately once every three to four weeks) during the working day
- This service is funded by the Department for Education
"I found every session beneficial and has helped to reduce anxiety and find a more positive approach to this complex leadership role."FE college leader
FAQs
What is professional supervision?
Supervision is a confidential and professional service that provides a space for school/ college leaders to reflect on some of those most difficult aspects of their job, as well as some of the most rewarding. Studies show that it boosts job satisfaction and wellbeing, ultimately helping leaders to stay in the profession they love, by reconnecting with why they do it.
Find out more about what professional supervision is and what it isn't in our infographic.
What happens when I apply?
We will look over your application to ensure you are eligible.
We will then process your application and you will receive acknowledgement of your application.
Your supervisor will then arrange to speak to you and will explain the supervision process, answer any questions you might have and arrange your first session.
What can I talk about with my supervisor?
Professional supervision has a professional focus and is totally confidential. It is time dedicated to your role as an education leader, and will help you to improve your wellbeing. Subjects that are explored in supervision can include:
- Dealing with challenging emotionally demanding issues
- Balancing a demanding career with a healthy home-life
- Your professional identity and the personal cost of doing your job
- Managing tricky work relationships
- Reconnecting with what’s great about a career in education
I’ve had coaching before, how is this different?
Coaching is a goal-oriented process that is responsive to the individual and their learning and development ambitions. Supervision is not goal-oriented. The value is in the exploration rather than the destination.
Does it cost to participate?
No, these services are completely free of charge if you work in England or Wales. They are provided with funding by the Department for Education and Welsh Government.
Who will I be talking to?
You will be contacted by a member of the Education Support supervision team who will explain next steps and what to expect.
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and will arrange your first session at a convenient time for you (this will be during working hours or early evening). You will have the same supervisor throughout your six supervision sessions. Supervision sessions will be held online.
Is it completely confidential?
Yes. We’ll only break confidentiality if:
• there’s a risk to your own health and safety, or to that of others; or
• if you’ve been involved in a crime
What if I need to rearrange a session?
You will be given contact details if you need to rearrange a session. It is really important that you do this with as much notice as possible if you do need to rearrange, as we won’t be able to reschedule a session with less than 24 hours’ notice.
I have accessed professional supervision previously, can I apply again?
If you took part before 1 April 2024 and work in England you are able to reapply. When you apply you will be able to request to work with the supervisor you previously worked with if you would like to.
Leaders share their experience of supervision
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