Professional Development
At the Forest of Dean Trust, we believe that investing in our people is the most effective way to improve outcomes for children and young people. Professional development is not something that happens occasionally. It is an integral part of being part of our Trust.
Whether you are at the beginning of your career, developing expertise in a specialist area, aspiring to leadership, or already leading a team or school, you will have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities across the Trust.
Coaching and Professional Growth
At the Forest of Dean Trust, we believe that some of the most powerful professional development takes place through meaningful conversations, reflection and personalised support. That is why we have established the Forest of Dean Coaching Network, providing staff across the Trust with access to trained and accredited coaches.
Available to all staff, regardless of role or career stage, the Forest of Dean Coaching Network provides access to colleagues accredited with the Level 5 Institute of Leadership & Management Certificate in Effective Coaching, offering high-quality, personalised coaching support across our schools.
High-Quality CPD
We provide a broad programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) designed to support staff at every stage of their career.
Our professional learning opportunities include:
- Teaching and learning development
- Curriculum leadership
- Subject-specific training
- SEND and inclusion
- Safeguarding and wellbeing
- Assessment and leadership development
- Coaching and mentoring
- National education initiatives and programmes
Our approach combines internal expertise with access to external specialists, ensuring that professional learning is relevant, evidence-informed and closely connected to classroom practice.
Networking and Collaboration
Professional learning is enhanced when people have the opportunity to connect, share ideas and learn from one another.
Throughout the year, we offer a range of networking opportunities, conferences, workshops and collaborative events that bring together colleagues from across our schools and beyond.
These events provide valuable opportunities to:
- Share innovative practice
- Build professional relationships
- Access specialist expertise
- Explore current educational developments
- Strengthen our collective capacity to improve outcomes for pupils
To view upcoming events and professional learning opportunities, please visit our Events Calendar.
Leadership Development
Developing future leaders is a key part of our commitment to sustainable school improvement.
Staff have opportunities to develop leadership skills through:
- Trust-wide projects and initiatives
- Coaching and mentoring relationships
- School improvement activities
- Cross-school collaboration
- Leadership responsibilities within networks and working groups
- Access to recognised leadership programmes
We actively encourage colleagues to broaden their experience and contribute to improvement beyond their own school.
Learn from Colleagues Across the Trust
One of the greatest strengths of being part of the Forest of Dean Trust is the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from different schools and settings.
Through trust-wide networks, working groups and collaborative projects, staff have regular opportunities to:
- Share effective practice
- Learn from colleagues with specialist expertise
- Explore common challenges and solutions
- Develop curriculum and subject knowledge
- Contribute to trust-wide improvement initiatives
By working together, we can achieve far more than any school could achieve in isolation.