Dates:  Tuesday 22nd & 29th September, 6th October 2026
Time:    7.00 - 8.30 pm
Venue: Online via Zoom

Target audience: Aspiring/Emerging Leaders at Post Primary Level

The Looking at Our Schools 2022 framework highlights the importance of leadership at all levels in creating and sustaining a culture of improvement, collaboration and learner-centred practice. As schools continue to respond to increasing complexity, change and evolving educational priorities, there is a growing need to support teachers and emerging leaders in developing the confidence and capability to contribute effectively to school leadership and improvement.

Many highly capable educators possess the knowledge, experience and commitment required for leadership roles, yet often hesitate to step forward. Often, the challenge is not one of competence but of confidence, identity and opportunity.

This three-session programme is designed to support post primary teachers and aspiring leaders in developing the confidence, skills and mindset required for effective leadership. Drawing on practical leadership experience, contemporary leadership thinking and reflective practice, the programme provides participants with an opportunity to explore leadership from a personal, relational and strategic perspective.

Throughout the programme, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own leadership journey, develop greater self-awareness, strengthen their ability to influence and collaborate with others, and consider how they can contribute to school improvement within the spirit of Looking at Our Schools 2022.

The overall aim is that participants leave with greater confidence in their leadership potential, a stronger understanding of their leadership style and practical strategies to support their future development as educational leaders.

Session 1: Developing the Confidence to Lead Yourself
Understanding the transition from teacher to leader

Focus:

• Why capable people hesitate
• Leadership identity
• Confidence and self-belief
• Values
• Reflective exercise – from the Principal’s Chair

Takeaway:
Personal leadership profile

Topics:

• Why do capable teachers hesitate to lead?
• What shifts when moving from teacher to leader?
• Understanding leadership confidence
• Imposter feelings and self-doubt
• Values and personal leadership style
• Emotional intelligence • Reflective exercises

Connect to:

• Professional growth
• Teacher agency and identity
• LAOS culture of improvement

Outcome:
Participants begin seeing themselves as leaders.

Session 2: Leading Others Through Influence

Theme: Confidence in working with colleagues

Topics:

• Influence without authority
• Difficult conversations
• Building trust
• Coaching approaches
• Handling resistance
• Team dynamics
• Communicating with confidence
• From the Principal’s Chair

Activity: Case studies from schools

Connect to:

• Collaborative practice
• School improvement
• Distributed leadership

Outcome:
Participants gain practical confidence.

Session 3: Thinking and Acting Like a Leader

Theme: Developing strategic leadership confidence

Topics:

• Decision-making
• Managing ambiguity
• Leading change
• Strategic thinking
• Building resilience
• Preparing for future leadership roles
• From the Principal’s Chair

Connect to:

• Change in education
• Policy demands
• Whole-school improvement

Final reflection:
“What kind of leader do I want to become?”

Outcome:
Participants think beyond current roles.

Bio of Presenter: Patrick Maunsell

Patrick Maunsell BA, GDE, MSc, FICS, FRSA is an independent education consultant, facilitator and former Principal with over thirty years of experience across postprimary, further education, higher education and professional education.

Patrick served as Principal of a large Further Education College for thirteen years and has held a range of senior leadership positions within education, including Director of Education with a national professional education body. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively in leadership, teaching and learning, organisational development, quality assurance and educational change.

He currently works across the education sector in areas including leadership development, programme validation, governance, teacher education, dissertation supervision and curriculum development. He is also involved in supporting educational institutions through programme review, staff development and quality enhancement initiatives.

A regular facilitator, presenter and mentor, Patrick has delivered workshops and keynote presentations on leadership, change management, decision-making, coaching and professional development. Having led educational teams through significant change and development, he brings a practical and reflective perspective to leadership that is grounded in real-world experience.

Drawing on experience across post-primary, further education and higher education, Patrick is particularly interested in supporting educators and emerging leaders to build confidence, strengthen leadership capacity and contribute positively to school and organisational improvement.