Coaching

Coaching is about providing a space where you can untangle and unblock issues so that you can flourish and thrive.

Since training and qualifying as a coach in July 2023, I have coached for over 550 hours, with over 100 school staff including CEOs, COOs, Heads of Schools, Headteachers, Senior and Middle Leaders, Class Teachers and Business Managers.

I also provide coaching for those studying for the NPQEL.

What is coaching like?

"Together we will create a space where you will benefit from support and challenge to untangle problems. This will enable you to develop greater self-awareness and a stronger identity, empowering you to flourish"

As your coach I use a variety of approaches which include:

Person-centred – a focus on you as a person so that you have the capacity for self-discovery and growth
Solution focused – a focus on your strengths, solutions and future possibilities
Cognitive Behavioural – a focus on your thoughts, beliefs, emotions and behaviours
Gestalt - a focus on you becoming fully aware and then moving from awareness to action
Positive Psychology – a focus on your happiness and well-being

Coaching sessions last for one hour, conducted over Teams, at a time that suits you. Cost for one session is £80 and I provide a price reduction for several sessions, paid for in advance. After each session I will send you a short summary to aid your reflections.

Please do get in touch for a free initial session where we can explore coaching in more detail.

What do people use coaching for?

Coaching is about having a space where you can talk about issues which are important to you, this is very personal and what is discussed is always your agenda. However, those involved in schools and education have typically used the space for the following themes:

Would structured coaching help?

If you are not sure how you would use the coaching space, then you might want to consider a structured coaching programme. Through my experience of working with school staff, I have created a series of focused coaching programmes. These comprise 7 one-hour sessions which will enhance self-awareness, improve confidence and ultimately help you find a sense of peace. I currently offer the following programmes, (others are being developed):

Personal insight
My self belief
Understanding how I lead
Realities of leadership

These programmes are suitable for any member of staff working within schools, including senior and middle leaders and subject leaders. They will also complement anyone studying for or anyone who has completed an NPQ and are very competitively priced at under £300 (depending on size of school).

What is the impact of coaching?

❝ You might not think you need coaching (I didn't) but you definitely will when you've finished the process. It enables you to think and challenge yourself in ways that you ordinarily wouldn't. I have no hesitation in commending Duncan to you as a coach.❞

Phillip Butcher – Headteacher

The Priory Primary School,

West Midlands

❝ Coaching with Duncan came at a pivotal point in both my professional and personal journey and I can honestly say it was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had in leadership. His calm, empathetic approach created a safe and reflective space where I could think deeply, navigate complexity, and reconnect with what matters most.❞

Claire Rackham – Headteacher Chipstead Valley Primary School, Surrey

❝ One of the most profound outcomes of coaching has been learning to value myself as a leader. It’s easy to lose sight of your own worth when you're constantly giving to others, but coaching reminded me that self-worth and self-care are not luxuries, they are necessities.❞

Paula Shaw – Headteacher

Great Horwood CE School, Buckinghamshire

❝ Without coaching I don't think I would be the 'balanced' leader I am today. I feel my mental health as a leader is much healthier than before I started coaching. The time to think and clarify things after busy days, weeks and terms help me to focus on the real key issues and take decisive action. I am definitely a more confident leader now with coaching.❞

Ali Crooks – Co-Headteacher New Christ Church Primary School, Berkshire

During the academic year 2024/25 30 clients were coached, from both primary and secondary settings from a variety of job roles including CEOs, Headteachers, Assistant Heads, SENCOs, Phase Leaders, Teachers and Business Managers. The results below are based on 25 responses to a questionnaire on the features and impact of coaching.

What did you like about the coaching process?

❝ Coaching has enabled me to work through some complex situations as a leader, and find peace around my decision making. The support has been invaluable, and although I have found the challenging questions tricky at the time, they have been the times where I have suddenly had lightbulb moments. I think it should be mandatory for all school leaders to have coaching!❞

Karen Black – Acting Head/Deputy Head St Aloysius Catholic Primary, Oxford

Coaching has helped me think differently - 68% - Strongly agree, 32% - Agree

Coaching has benefited me professionally - 88% - Strongly agree, 12% - Agree

Coaching has benefited me personally - 80% - Strongly agree, 20% - Agree

The coach’s approach has been a good fit for me - 96% - Strongly agree, 4% - Agree

"Working with Duncan has helped me to find myself as a leader."

Donna Blake - Headteacher Grove CoE Primary School, Oxfordshire