Leaders of Behaviour Course: Creating Positive School Cultures
Overview
Our Leaders of Behaviour Course is built around the latest global evidence base for effective leadership of behaviour in schools. Designed for teachers and middle leaders with responsibility for behaviour, wellbeing, and school culture, this programme develops the expertise to create safe, inclusive, and high-expectations environments where pupils thrive.
Through three immersive face-to-face days and 90 hours of online learning, participants will learn how to build strong school culture, enable consistent behaviour systems, support pupils with complex needs, and lead professional development for staff. The programme draws on global research, including the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), Bandura (1986), and recent guidance on behaviour, wellbeing, and implementation.
Programme Structure
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3 Face-to-Face Days (1 per module) – Each module begins with an in-person day of workshops, case studies, and collaborative planning.
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3 Modules – After each face-to-face day, participants complete 30 hours of structured online study and applied school-based tasks.Modules
Module 1: Building School Culture and High Expectations
Face-to-Face Day
This opening module focuses on creating a culture of mutual respect, trust, and ambition. You’ll explore how teacher expectations influence pupil outcomes, how to model and embed shared values, and how to set clear goals that stretch and motivate pupils. You’ll also learn how to build a professional culture that prioritises collaboration and continuous improvement.
Online Module
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Conduct a culture audit of your school or department.
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Explore case studies of schools that successfully transformed expectations and ethos.
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Analyse research on teacher expectations (Jussim & Harber, 2005; Rubie-Davies et al., 2014).
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Design a culture development plan that integrates values, routines, and professional behaviours.
Key Questions
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How do leaders shape and sustain a culture of high expectations?
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What role do teachers’ language, modelling, and consistency play in building culture?
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How can leaders create a culture of professional trust and improvement among staff?
How This Transforms Practice
By embedding clear expectations and shared values, leaders create a safe and motivating environment. A strong culture drives pupil behaviour, wellbeing, and resilience while enabling staff to collaborate and improve together.
Module 2: Enabling Conditions for Behaviour and Inclusion
Face-to-Face Day
This module explores how leaders create predictable, safe, and inclusive environments that support learning. You’ll examine whole-school approaches to routines, rules, and sanctions; learn how to develop consistency across classrooms; and explore how to engage parents and carers as partners.
Online Module
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Review your school’s behaviour systems for consistency and impact.
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Analyse evidence from the EEF on behaviour interventions and social-emotional learning.
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Explore strategies for building routines, using positive reinforcement, and supporting teacher classroom management.
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Design an action plan to strengthen behaviour systems across your area of responsibility.
Key Questions
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What makes whole-school behaviour systems effective and sustainable?
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How can leaders ensure consistency across classrooms, activities, and communal spaces?
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How can parents and carers be engaged as partners in supporting behaviour?
How This Transforms Practice
A predictable, inclusive environment reduces disruption and increases learning time. Leaders who embed whole-school systems and strong partnerships ensure that all pupils feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed.
Module 3: Responding to Complex Behaviour and Leading Professional Development
Face-to-Face Day
The final module focuses on supporting pupils with complex behavioural needs and leading colleagues to improve practice. You’ll explore how to tailor interventions without lowering expectations, how to address bullying, and how to integrate safeguarding and SEND expertise. You’ll also learn to design professional development and implementation plans that embed behaviour practice across the school.
Online Module
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Conduct a review of how your school supports pupils with complex behavioural needs.
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Explore case studies of evidence-based anti-bullying approaches.
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Analyse research on effective professional development in behaviour and culture (Cordingley et al., 2015; EEF, 2019).
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Design a CPD programme and implementation plan to embed consistent behaviour practice.
Key Questions
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How can leaders provide tailored support for pupils without lowering expectations?
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What approaches best prevent and respond to bullying?
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How do leaders ensure professional development in behaviour is impactful and sustainable?
How This Transforms Practice
By developing expertise in behaviour and culture, leaders ensure all pupils – including those with complex needs – are supported to succeed. Embedding evidence-based professional development builds staff confidence and consistency, driving long-term improvement in school climate.
