Testimonials

"The work we have done with you is some of the best development I’ve had and did more to develop our confidence in handling difficult conversations than qualifications like the NPQH.
Having this for the whole team has not just been great for their development but great for building the sense of team, especially as we are discussing those areas where we feel least confident.
I’m delighted with the Heads Up work and it has been a significant factor in sharpening up the team and in getting out of SM so quickly and so positively.
Thanks Sonia and the Heads Up team for being such a significant part of the journey."
Mr Gritton, Head Teacher, St Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy, Derby

"Sonia and her team have been instrumental in our journey to outstanding. Since beginning our training with Heads up, we have had the opportunity to really think about the direction in which we want to take our schools. We have worked together with our senior leadership team to create our vision and mission, before launching this to our team. A unity has been created, which we have not seen before and given staff a real insight into what is driving us forward. A renewed passion for learning has evolved from the children and the schools are exciting, happy places to teach and learn. Ofsted recognised this in our report:"

‘Outstanding leadership at all levels makes leaders’ mission ‘to be able to walk into any classroom at any time and see and hear all children enjoying their learning and progressing’ a reality. This is a vibrant and lively learning community.’

"The Heads Up training has had a real impact on our success in gaining outstanding in all areas and we have learnt so much about ourselves and our leadership styles.

If we could recommend one CPD programme that gives real results, then this would be it!"

"Thank you… It's been a long time since I really felt like I have learnt and developed a new skill. It made me realise that, as senior leaders, we are really not trained or always equipped to deal with the emotional side of the job." Mrs Harris, Head Teacher, London

"I really enjoy our training sessions as they are tailor made for our school and context. You have adapted/changed the content of the course when needed and constantly challenge our thinking. You are not just imparting knowledge but enabling us to make decisions based on thoughtful and thought provoking discussions!" Alison Moller, Executive Head Teacher, Julian's Primary School, London

"Just wanted to let you know that I’ve just had my difficult conversation. It went incredibly well! The member of staff THANKED me for bringing it to their attention and admitted that he’d been coasting!" Mr Moore, Secondary Senior Leader, Derbyshire

"Before working with Heads Up, our school had amalgamated and our infant and junior schools came together physically, however, there was still a cultural journey for our team who still thought like two schools and this included my leadership team. I could see the schools needed support with getting used to this change and working together to effectively share the same vision. I knew this needed to change quickly and this is why I sought the help of Sonia and Heads Up.

As a result, just a year later in 2013 when Ofsted came, we were good with outstanding features; an outcome of the work we had delivered over time which my leadership team had effectively led and I don't think we would have got such a great result if we hadn't worked with Heads Up.

For me, working with Heads Up was the best investment I'd made for my school in years." Mrs Virdee, Head Teacher London

"You speak to your delegates as peer professionals rather than empty vessels that need filling! You have the right balance of giving time for discussion and bringing everyone back on task."Sarah Wilson, Head of School, Julian's Primary School, London

"As a head in my first role, this course has been invaluable in terms of clarity of thought and purpose; it has further developed my ability to reflect and become a better leader. I believe that the CPD I have received over the last six months has helped me and my SLT to achieve our recent 'Good' Ofsted judgement."Mrs T Kilkenny, Primary Head Teacher, Enfield

"Before working with Heads Up, my school was RI and I was keen to move to good as quickly as possible, but also in a way that laid the foundation for us to progress further, so I decided to use the services of Heads Up to support the development of our leadership team.

As a result of working with Sonia for the last year, my SLT have become more skilled and confident in their leadership skills which has really helped us create the right team to take us forward and 'our bus' is very nearly perfect!" Vicki Knox, Head Teacher, Elm Park Primary School

"This was a professionally life changing course - I couldn't rate it highly enough. It has been transformative for me and the rest of the SLT" Mr Parr, Head Teacher, London, referring to the full suite of successful difficult conversations courses

“Just thought I'd give feedback on the INSET last night. I was really pleased with the level of engagement from the staff and I have to say I have never heard so many positive comments about an INSET. Even the most hardened were saying to me that it was the best INSET session they'd ever had "You know, Allan it was so refreshing not to be bombarded with a PowerPoint presentation and bull..." "Mr A J Watkins, Deputy Head, London