Why women only training and development?
Women frequently report that confidence is one of the factors that stops them going for senior positions – and achieving them. WiSH courses significantly boost confidence.
Experience shows that training and personal development in single sex groups can be very powerful. Without men in the group, women have opportunities (and are more likely) to:
- address doubts and concerns about the role and their ability to fulfil it
- hear from successful women role models who are successfully doing so
- reflect and learn in a supportive atmosphere
- access peer support and build effective networks
- develop flexible, time-effective approaches for their ongoing learning and support
- recognise their abilities and potential and develop ways to communicate these
Women in Deputy or Assistant Head positions often report that because they are so busy with their current job - and life - they have no time to think about the possibility of Headship, let alone apply. They will tend to focus on their existing responsibilities rather than career-enhancing actions, and will frequently express concern about the potential conflict with home life that Headship can present. A focus on the challenges and obstacles, rather than their skills and experience, can lead to hesitation in application; knock-backs in the process can lead them to give up.
There can be a danger that talent is only identified if people ‘play the system’ and that the ‘quietly effective’ are overlooked. Whilst there is the need to address these issues elsewhere, we offer our target group of delegates practical tools and tested strategies for overcoming such obstacles. Our programme is informative and interactive, well run and well received; response to individual needs is central to the success of our courses. Visiting headteachers are a vital component and their input has been highly rated by our delegates.
Given the disproportionately low numbers of women reaching headship, positive action to enhance their confidence and increase their commitment, coupled with ongoing practical support through the process, will have a positive impact on the numbers applying for - and achieving - headship positions.
"There is so much talent in school. Invariably women shy off taking this forward step to Headship. Women are incredibly collegiate and don’t put themselves forward, but we can do it as a team. It is not as lonely as people make it out to be. There are many different ways to approach Headship and we don’t all have to do it the same way. Women think of what they can’t do, rather than what they can do. On this course you can express your concerns and views openly and not feel intimidated, in a confidential and empathetic environment."
Linda Bamford, Headteacher, Mayflower High School.