Educational Excellence Mastermind
Surround Yourself with Schools That Stretch You
You’re the sum of the 5 schools you see most. We connect you to the ones redefining outstanding.
Termly visits
to recently outstanding schools
Fortnightly peer support
with high-performing heads
Strategic frameworks
to leap from great to extraordinary
Why Join Mastermind?
Purpose of the Mastermind Group
The Heads Up Educational Excellence Mastermind is a structured professional network designed for high‑performing and aspirational headteachers who want to move their schools beyond “good” and into genuinely exceptional practice.
It addresses a key sector challenge: most school networks focus on reaching “good,” but 72% of ‘good’ schools stall, creating isolation and limiting innovation.
The programme fixes this by surrounding leaders with schools that consistently deliver outstanding outcomes, even in challenging contexts.
What the Mastermind provides:
- Termly visits to recently outstanding and exceptional schools, handpicked for their high‑impact practice and relevance to members’ improvement priorities.
- Termly peer school exchanges, allowing leaders to share innovations, receive feedback, and transfer effective practice.
- Annual environmental audit to maximise the strategic use of buildings and learning spaces.
2. Leadership Development & Support
- Fortnightly Headteacher Support Group: a confidential space to solve real challenges with peers who understand the role.
- Half‑termly SLT strategy sessions, enabling senior teams to focus on strategic priorities and improvement planning.
- Termly expert webinars on topics such as complex needs, leadership development, parental challenge, and more.
3. Exclusive Professional Learning Opportunities
- Complimentary tickets to the Breaking the Glass Ceiling of Good workshop.
- Free places on Successful Difficult Conversations training.
- SLT passes for flagship Heads Up conferences.
The impact of Mastermind:
- Strengthening leadership capacity at both headship and SLT level.
- Providing evidence‑based strategies that improve consistency, teaching quality, and whole‑school systems.
- Ensuring your school remains outward‑facing, continually benchmarking against the very best national practice.
- Reducing leadership isolation, improving wellbeing, and supporting retention—all critical to sustaining improvement.
Ultimately, the Mastermind helps leaders create the conditions needed for reliable, high‑quality teaching every day, especially in schools serving complex communities.
Educational Excellence Mastermind Group
What’s Included?
Core Experiences:
Termly visits
To outstanding schools (handpicked for the insights you want)
Annual environmental audit
Receive an expert assessment to maximise all of your school’s spaces
Termly peer school exchanges
Showcase your
Leadership Development:
Fortnightly Head’s Support Group
Share challenges, success and get great advice
Half-termly SLT strategy sessions
Align your team and have focused strategic time with other high performers
Termly expert webinars
Guest speakers advise on hot topics from complex needs to unlocking leadership to challenging parents
Exclusive Perks:
2 x complimentary tickets
to Breaking the Glass Ceiling of Good workshop
2 x complimentary places
on our Successful Difficult Conversations training
SLT passes
to our flagship conferences
Here's what we did in Spring 2026:
6 × Headteacher support group sessions
A trusted space to share challenges, test thinking and get practical advice from peers who understand the reality of the role.
SLT power hour: From good intentions to great ROI
You and your team work incredibly hard — but not everything earns its keep.
This SLT session helps you step back, cut through the noise, and refocus leadership time, money and energy where it makes the biggest difference.
Best practice: Teaching that travels
Great practice shouldn’t rely on context or luck.
This best practice session shares teaching approaches that have been built, tested and refined in real schools — with space to explore what genuinely transfers to yours.
SLT power hour: The right things, done reliably
When the problem isn’t capability — it’s consistency.
This SLT session explores simple systems that reduce risk, firefighting and leadership overload, without adding bureaucracy.
Less firefighting.
More calm.
Greater reliability.
Strategic session: Half-year MOT
A mid-year pause to take stock.
What’s working, what’s drifting, and what needs adjusting to protect momentum for the rest of the year.
Capability Conference
Tackle under-performance quickly, kindly and legally — with clarity, confidence and care.
Expert speaker session
A strategic SEND session shaped around members’ priorities, concerns and long-term ambitions.
Mastermind school visit
A visit to a school with deeply embedded culture and strong inclusive practice — focusing on how excellence is built, sustained and shared.
Outstanding school visit
A visit to a school where every child leaves able to play four instruments — and an exploration of the powerful impact this has on literacy, confidence and culture.
Meet your guide - Sonia Gill
Sonia Gill created the Educational Excellence Mastermind Group to support the journey beyond outstanding.
Sonia has been walking into great schools for over a decade and is a qualified teacher who has taught every age from Reception to 16. She was selected to join the prestigious John Lewis leadership programme where she led a number of multi-million-pound business areas.
Read more...
She is a speaker at educational events and the author of two number 1 ranked Amazon books ‘Journey to Outstanding (2nd edition)’ and ‘Successful Difficult Conversations in Schools’.
Schools Sonia and her team support are 300% more likely to gain or maintain their outstanding grade than the average (and they don’t focus on Ofsted, because none of us do what we do for Ofsted, we do it for our children).
Who joins?
Current Members Include:
Member sine January 2020
Nine Acres Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals or who have educational health plans and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
We are a school in which everyone is ‘Striving for Excellence’.
Member since September 2023
Meridian Community Primary is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils eligible for free school meals and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
At Meridian Community Primary School, our vision is to provide a safe, supportive, caring, and stimulating learning environment where our children achieve their full potential in all areas of development, fostering a love and enjoyment of learning which will equip them for every future challenge.
Member since January 2024
St John Fisher Catholic is a secondary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language, or who have SEN support.
The school’s vision:
Nothing in this universe moves faster than light. It goes in straight lines, moving unstoppably into the future, dazzling and bright.
SJF students are rays of light – they have limitless possibilities in front of them and represent infinite intensities of untapped potential. They all have different origins, and sometimes their light has come through dark places to reach us.
As a school, we want to be the prism refracting their light. This work is led by our enthusiastic staff, the lenses focusing our students’ potential. Our staff have an overriding belief that all students’ talents can shine with support, and they give their very best to our students.
Collectively, we are a galaxy of stars, each one’s light amplifying the others. The light of our students will not only provide illumination for themselves; it will brighten our community for the benefit of others.
Students will change on their journey through our school, using their unique talents to refract out into a million different colours, representing a million different possibilities, moving out of the shining prism of our school, into the possibilities of their own glittering futures.
Member since January 2023
Stanton School is a junior school with an above-average number of pupils eligible for free school meals and who speak English as an additional language.
The school’s vision:
Building the foundation for success.
Member since January 2020
Clockhouse Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals or who have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
We are not just a school, we are home!
We lay the foundations for each individual’s future and for dreams to be fulfilled – whatever they may be.
No two bricks are the same but are accepted for their uniqueness and are placed in their own special way to meet their needs.
The cement bonds us together as a family to keep us strong, stable, and safe.
We are all safe and happy under one roof; we are protected from the elements and prepared to weather every storm.
The key to success unlocks the door to future achievements unseen before.
The windows show us the reflections of our future self as ready, respectful, and responsible adults.
Collaboratively, together our home is decorated with challenge and the rooms are furnished with fun.
All around, a variety of trees grow naturally from the seed of success. With nurture and care anything is possible.
So we are not just a school, we are a home that provides a champion for all as well as timeless experiences and skills for a brighter future.
And that is why we are called Clockhouse.
Ring the bell, we’re always here!
Member since September 2024
Central Primary School is an average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, have educational health plans and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
‘Be the Best you Can Be’
Member since January 2024
Parkgate House School was founded in 1987 by its proprietor where the school consists of an early years section (Nursery and Reception classes), a pre-preparatory section for Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, and a preparatory section for Year 3 to Year 6 pupils.
The school’s vision:
Our mission is to give every one of our pupils the opportunity to maximise their talents and make the most of their potential by providing a broad and exciting curriculum, enriching activities, and a wealth of unrivalled experiences in a warm, safe, and happy environment. Our exceptional teaching and strong individual care and support have a positive influence on our pupils’ academic success and personal growth. When pupils leave Parkgate House, they do so as well-educated, confident, and responsible young people ready to make their mark on the world.
Member since May 2024
Brooklands Farm Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who speak English as an additional language.
The school’s vision:
Our motivation was unique and was driven by the belief that –
Every child should come to their local school as this builds an inclusive community.
One platform from which to deliver quality education would make us more accountable as every child has a right to achieve.
We could share expertise and collaborate across a geographical area, making our teaching dynamic.
We could weave a curriculum that reflected the whole community as it grew, ensuring the community owned the successes of the school.
But our strongest passion was that if we built a community that knew each other, then its children would be protected and safer.
Member since September 2023
The Meads Primary School is an average-sized primary school where there is an average number of pupils who have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
Here, every child is valued and successful. How? We root them in kindness and compassion. We branch out to our community, gathering and embracing their views and beliefs, but more importantly, their dreams for their children. Because together, we stand tall and grow the fruits of our learning and our children’s future.
Member since January 2022
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who speak English as an additional language.
The school’s vision:
From the moment your young star begins to shine in the sky of Our Lady of Lourdes, they are a part of something bigger. They are part of a galaxy of stars where, throughout every step of their journey, they have opportunities to be inspired, and to believe in themselves in all that they do. They are never alone. There is always someone there to protect, teach, nurture, and guide your precious star, through their unique orbit of growth.
From afar, you will see your little star shine amongst a community built on kindness and mutual respect. As you journey through a galaxy of learning, preparation is key, that they may illuminate wherever life may take them. Pride and warmth will radiate through your growing star, until they are at their brightest, independently shining their light on those who love and care for them.
Let your young star join our glowing constellation.
Member since January 2024
Nether Hall School is a special school in the city of Leicester where there is an above-average number of pupils who speak English as an additional language or who have SEN support.
The school vision:
The Future is bright.
We nurture sparks that will ignite a passion to seek and learn more.
Sparks that grow into a beacon.
A beacon that draws in others, that ignites them, so that together we create light and energy, to individually shine brightly within, and as part of our community.
A place to shine.
Member since April 2025
Sunnyhill Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language, and who have educational health plans and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
Learning together, we will all be exceptional!
Member since January 2023
Exhall Cedars Infant, Nursery & Preschool is larger than the average-sized infant school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language, or who have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
This is our promise…
Let us show you what’s in our hearts.
Every child will flourish to achieve whatever they desire.
No river will be too deep.
No mountain will be too high.
We will be your guiding light at the beginning of your journey.
We will be your map and compass.
If the ground becomes uneven and you should stumble and fall, trust us to catch you in our comforting arms and guide you along that rocky path. Let us navigate you along the challenging roads ahead and together we will emerge from the shadows and into the warm light of the sun.
Like your guide rope we will keep you steady and safe, linking us together with your families and community. We will hold hands to grow in strength and resilience, to climb and reach the summit of your potential. Like the sunflower turning towards the sun we will blossom with brightness and glory.
Remember our promise and keep it in your heart as you continue on your journey. Be proud, you did it!
Member since September 2022
Irk Valley Community School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above average number of pupils eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language or have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
Our Valley.
Proud to grow here together.
Read the full vision here.
Member since April 2025
Elm Park Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school, where there is an above-average number of pupils who speak English as an additional language, and who have educational health plans and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
‘Aspiring to be the best we can be’
Member since September 2023
Lanesfield Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there are an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals or who speak English as an additional language.
How to Join
Mutual fit assessment
We say no if we can’t add value
Onboard your SLT
We’ll send you all the information you need to get the most out of your membership
FAQS
We filter for outliers—only schools that break patterns qualify for visits.
Yes! Ask about our 20% group discount.
50% of visits offer virtual shadowing options.
Depends on your level of membership which we can discuss.
Hear about the impact from group members
Don’t Lead in Echo Chambers
See what’s truly possible
Solve your toughest problems
Build a legacy, not just a rating
Who joins?
Current members:
Adam Robbins, Headteacher, Roding Primary School
Member since September 2025
Roding Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language, and who have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
Go Forward!
Chelsea Sandbrook, Headteacher, Manor Leas Junior Academy
Member since September 2025
Manor Leas Junior Academy is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, and who have educational health plans and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
RISE – Like a Phoenix!
Claire Warford, Headteacher, Cradley Church of England Primary School, Halesowen
Member since April 2026
Cradley is a successful and happy one form entry VA Primary School in the heart of Cradley. This unique school has a distinctive Christian ethos and caring atmosphere and visitors to Cradley comment on the ‘family feel’ and the ‘community’ that exists there.
The school’s vision:
To serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.
Claire Westcott, Headteacher, Meridian Community Primary School & Nursery
Member since September 2023
Meridian Community Primary is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils eligible for free school meals and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
At Meridian Community Primary School, our vision is to provide a safe, supportive, caring, and stimulating learning environment where our children achieve their full potential in all areas of development, fostering a love and enjoyment of learning which will equip them for every future challenge.
Dympna Lennon, Headteacher, St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School
Member since January 2024
St John Fisher Catholic is a secondary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language, or who have SEN support.
The school’s vision:
Nothing in this universe moves faster than light. It goes in straight lines, moving unstoppably into the future, dazzling and bright.
SJF students are rays of light – they have limitless possibilities in front of them and represent infinite intensities of untapped potential. They all have different origins, and sometimes their light has come through dark places to reach us.
As a school, we want to be the prism refracting their light. This work is led by our enthusiastic staff, the lenses focusing our students’ potential. Our staff have an overriding belief that all students’ talents can shine with support, and they give their very best to our students.
Collectively, we are a galaxy of stars, each one’s light amplifying the others. The light of our students will not only provide illumination for themselves; it will brighten our community for the benefit of others.
Students will change on their journey through our school, using their unique talents to refract out into a million different colours, representing a million different possibilities, moving out of the shining prism of our school, into the possibilities of their own glittering futures.
Helen Elphick, Headteacher, Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School
Member since April 2026
The Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School caters for pupils with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties, or complex needs.
The school’s vision:
Today we welcomed you and your family
to become a part of ours.
Today we noticed and listened
and you learnt that we care.
Today we travelled through endless worlds
and you discovered that learning is fun.
Today we challenged you to reach for the stars
and you found that you can.
Tomorrow you will be a confident learner
and we will be proud of the person you have become.
Helen Nicholson, Executive Headteacher, Stanton School & Pepper Hill School, Milton Keynes
Member since January 2023
Stanton School is a 3-form Junior School, with a high number of pupils who speak English as an additional language as well as those who are eligible for free school meals.
The school’s vision:
Building the foundation for success.
Joanna Savidge, Headteacher, Clockhouse Primary School in Havering
Member since January 2020
Clockhouse Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals or who have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
We are not just a school, we are home!
We lay the foundations for each individual’s future and for dreams to be fulfilled – whatever they may be.
No two bricks are the same but are accepted for their uniqueness and are placed in their own special way to meet their needs.
The cement bonds us together as a family to keep us strong, stable, and safe.
We are all safe and happy under one roof; we are protected from the elements and prepared to weather every storm.
The key to success unlocks the door to future achievements unseen before.
The windows show us the reflections of our future self as ready, respectful, and responsible adults.
Collaboratively, together our home is decorated with challenge and the rooms are furnished with fun.
All around, a variety of trees grow naturally from the seed of success. With nurture and care anything is possible.
So we are not just a school, we are a home that provides a champion for all as well as timeless experiences and skills for a brighter future.
And that is why we are called Clockhouse.
Ring the bell, we’re always here!
John McConnell, Headteacher, Ashleigh Primary School and Nursery, Norfolk
Member since April 2026
Ashleigh Primary Schoo is an above average-sized primary school, where they work hard to ensure that inclusion is a reality for all of their children and that everyone feels valued and a part of their learning community.
The school’s vision:
At Ashleigh we are ‘All Different, All Equal, All Learning’
Louise Hall, Headteacher, Central Primary School, Northumberland
Member since September 2024
Central Primary School is an average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, have educational health plans and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
‘Be the Best you Can Be’
Malcolm Mckinlay, Headteacher, Parkgate House School
Member since January 2024
Parkgate House School was founded in 1987 by its proprietor where the school consists of an early years section (Nursery and Reception classes), a pre-preparatory section for Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, and a preparatory section for Year 3 to Year 6 pupils.
The school’s vision:
Our mission is to give every one of our pupils the opportunity to maximise their talents and make the most of their potential by providing a broad and exciting curriculum, enriching activities, and a wealth of unrivalled experiences in a warm, safe, and happy environment. Our exceptional teaching and strong individual care and support have a positive influence on our pupils’ academic success and personal growth. When pupils leave Parkgate House, they do so as well-educated, confident, and responsible young people ready to make their mark on the world.
Maxine Low, Headteacher, Brooklands Farm Primary School
Member since May 2024
Brooklands Farm Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who speak English as an additional language.
The school’s vision:
Our motivation was unique and was driven by the belief that –
Every child should come to their local school as this builds an inclusive community.
One platform from which to deliver quality education would make us more accountable as every child has a right to achieve.
We could share expertise and collaborate across a geographical area, making our teaching dynamic.
We could weave a curriculum that reflected the whole community as it grew, ensuring the community owned the successes of the school.
But our strongest passion was that if we built a community that knew each other, then its children would be protected and safer.
Nicole Essex, Headteacher, The Meads Primary School
Member since September 2023
The Meads Primary School is an average-sized primary school where there is an average number of pupils who have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
Here, every child is valued and successful. How? We root them in kindness and compassion. We branch out to our community, gathering and embracing their views and beliefs, but more importantly, their dreams for their children. Because together, we stand tall and grow the fruits of our learning and our children’s future.
Rosie McDonald, Headteacher, Nine Acres Primary School, Isle of Wight
Member since January 2020
Nine Acres Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where the most pupils are of White British heritage.
The school’s vision:
We are a school in which everyone is ‘Striving for Excellence’.
Ruth Boon, Headteacher, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Wansted, London
Member since January 2022
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who speak English as an additional language.
The school’s vision:
From the moment your young star begins to shine in the sky of Our Lady of Lourdes, they are a part of something bigger. They are part of a galaxy of stars where, throughout every step of their journey, they have opportunities to be inspired, and to believe in themselves in all that they do. They are never alone. There is always someone there to protect, teach, nurture, and guide your precious star, through their unique orbit of growth.
From afar, you will see your little star shine amongst a community built on kindness and mutual respect. As you journey through a galaxy of learning, preparation is key, that they may illuminate wherever life may take them. Pride and warmth will radiate through your growing star, until they are at their brightest, independently shining their light on those who love and care for them.
Let your young star join our glowing constellation.
Sarah Naylor, Headteacher, Nether Hall School
Member since January 2024
Nether Hall School is a special school in the city of Leicester where there is an above-average number of pupils who speak English as an additional language or who have SEN support.
The school vision:
The Future is bright.
We nurture sparks that will ignite a passion to seek and learn more.
Sparks that grow into a beacon.
A beacon that draws in others, that ignites them, so that together we create light and energy, to individually shine brightly within, and as part of our community.
A place to shine.
Sarah Wilson, Headteacher, Sunnyhill Primary School
Member since April 2025
Sunnyhill Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language, and who have educational health plans and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
Learning together, we will all be exceptional!
Sharon Hillyard, Headteacher, Exhall Cedars Infant, Nursery & Preschool
Member since January 2023
Exhall Cedars Infant, Nursery & Preschool is larger than the average-sized infant school where there is an above-average number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language, or who have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
This is our promise…
Let us show you what’s in our hearts.
Every child will flourish to achieve whatever they desire.
No river will be too deep.
No mountain will be too high.
We will be your guiding light at the beginning of your journey.
We will be your map and compass.
If the ground becomes uneven and you should stumble and fall, trust us to catch you in our comforting arms and guide you along that rocky path. Let us navigate you along the challenging roads ahead and together we will emerge from the shadows and into the warm light of the sun.
Like your guide rope we will keep you steady and safe, linking us together with your families and community. We will hold hands to grow in strength and resilience, to climb and reach the summit of your potential. Like the sunflower turning towards the sun we will blossom with brightness and glory.
Remember our promise and keep it in your heart as you continue on your journey. Be proud, you did it!
Vicki Lord, Headteacher, Irk Valley Community School
Member since September 2022
Irk Valley Community School is larger than the average-sized primary school where there is an above average number of pupils eligible for free school meals, who speak English as an additional language or have educational health plans.
The school’s vision:
Our Valley.
Proud to grow here together.
(Read the full vision here.)
Victoria Morris, Executive Headteacher, Elm Park Primary School
Member since April 2025
Elm Park Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school, where there is an above-average number of pupils who speak English as an additional language, and who have educational health plans and SEN support.
The school’s vision:
‘Aspiring to be the best we can be’