Speaker
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Paul LongdenPaul is a highly experienced and respected independent education consultant with over 30 years in education. He provides training, consultancy, and school improvement support to individual schools, clusters, multi-academy trusts (MATs), and local authorities across the UK. He also produces and delivers a wide range of webinars covering key educational themes.
A former headteacher of three schools, Paul has extensive leadership experience and a proven track record in driving school improvement. He has supported the development of leadership training programmes for the Centre for Educational Leadership in Manchester and served as a Regional Facilitator for the Training and Development Agency (TDA) in the West Midlands, delivering tailored consultancy and professional development.
Paul spent over five years working with an independent education consultancy before establishing his own company in 2015. Since then, his business has grown significantly and now supports more than 200 schools nationally through his school improvement work and webinars.
As a former Ofsted inspector, Paul brings deep insight into inspection frameworks and expectations. His work during Ofsted and HMI inspections was regularly praised for his dynamism, strategic vision and impactful leadership.
Earlier in his career, Paul worked with the Dudley PE and Numeracy advisory services, contributing to curriculum development and staff training.
Location
- Sir Harrys Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2UZ
Category
Writing your SDP Priorities
Focus: Leadership and Management
For: Headteachers, Principals, Deputies, Senior Leaders
Description:
Face-to-face session with expert facilitation. Ideal for headteachers, senior leaders and middle leaders involved in writing the SDP.
This practical follow-up day is designed to give you the focused time, expert input and supportive environment you need to start writing – or finalise – your school development plan (SDP).
Building on the thinking and strategies introduced in the webinar, this face-to-face session will be highly hands-on, allowing you to work individually or collaboratively with your team to shape, sharpen and write your plan.
Facilitated by an experienced school improvement consultant, the day will include:
- Guided planning time with expert prompts and structured checkpoints
- Opportunities for feedback and coaching on your draft content
- Support in writing clear priorities, SMART targets and actionable milestones
- Time to map strands, actions and timelines aligned to your school context
- Tools and templates to streamline your process and avoid common pitfalls
You’ll leave with:
- Substantial progress on your SDP
- Shared understanding if attending as a team
- Practical documents and strategies to take back to school
- Increased clarity and confidence in leading the planning process
Whether you’re starting from a blank page or refining a working draft, this day is your chance to turn strategic intent into a focused, high-impact plan.
Director’s Note:
An unmissable session for both new and experienced heads. Get it all sorted before the summer hols!