Skip to main content
English | Cymraeg
System Leadership Header English

Associates

The National Academy for Educational Leadership appoints an annual cohort of Associates, all currently practising senior educational leaders. The Associates provide the National Academy for Educational Leadership with opportunities to access their expertise and knowledge as current educational leaders, an invaluable resource that ensures the voice of the profession is heard in all of our planning, activity and reflection.

The National Academy for Educational Leadership now has multiple cohorts of Associates progressing through a mature system leadership model and they are having measurable impacts on the education system beyond their own organisations through: Facilitation; Coaching; Advocacy; Activism; Gatekeeping; Change Agency; Mobilisation; Improvement.

The Associates inform our work, provide representation at local, regional and national levels and inform policy and practice through their annual collaborative enquiry commissions.

Cohort 7

System Leaders & System Leadership: Reviewing the Evidence

System leaders / leadership is a complex and sometimes confusing concept.

Although a focus for many education systems around the world over the past decade, there is no fixed definition of system leaders / leadership. As a result, there are many interpretations of what a system leader / leadership is, how it is handled and when we know it works. To date, this has prevented informed and accessible debate about the nature – and future – of system leaders / leadership taking place in Wales.

To create a suitable evidence base to inform the development of system leaders / leadership in Wales, the National Academy for Educational Leadership has commissioned Professor Alma Harris, a leading educational leadership expert, to review and recommend international academic and policy literature ways in which system leadership / leadership can be further developed in Wales.

System Leaders and System Leadership – Reviewing the Evidence

Meet the Associates

A group of people posing for a photo. A picture of our new Associates who will form Cohort 6
Cohort 6
Cohort 7
Cohort 7
A group of people posing for a photo
Associate Federation

COMMISSION 1

Our Call to Action

In June 2018 Academy Associates in cohort 1 were set a commission by Welsh Government officials, titled How can leaders enable high quality professional learning opportunities that improve well-being and achieve better outcomes for all?

COMMISSION 2

What is the role of educational leadership in realising the vision of a Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language?

In March 2019, the Associates were set a commission to explore What is the role of educational leadership in realising the vision of a Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language? The Associates wanted to produce a report that would have a direct impact on the system, be meaningful to a wide audience and would make a difference to those within the education sector.

COMMISSION 3

What is the role of educational leadership in delivering the Additional Learning Needs reform in Wales?

This report addresses the implementation of the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) reforms in Wales and is intended for school leaders and related stakeholders. The aim of these reforms is to create a fully inclusive education system, where the needs of children and young people are identified and addressed promptly, fostering an environment where all students can reach their potential.

COMMISSION 4

The role of educational leadership in achieving the vision of Community Focused Schools in Wales

The purpose of this discussion paper is to delve into a critical and timely question: “What is the role of educational leadership in achieving the vision of Community Focused Schools (CFS) in Wales?” This enquiry undertaken by Associates of the National Academy for Educational Leadership, aims to shed light on the pivotal role that educational leadership plays in realising the ambitious goals set forth for CFS within the unique context of Wales. In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, where the interplay between schools and their surrounding communities takes on increased significance, it is essential to understand the dynamic role of leadership in achieving educational and societal transformation.

Leadership Stories

Leadership Story: Anna Griggs

Leadership Story: Anna Griggs Headteacher, Buttington Trewern County Primary School My first inspira…

Leadership Story: Elin Wakeham

Leadership Story: Elin Wakeham Headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bryn y Môr Who or what inspired…

Leadership Story: Martin Evans

Leadership Story: Martin Evans Headteacher, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe Who or what inspired yo…