Location:
Birmingham & Croydon
Start Date:
17/11/2026
Cost:
£996.00 (VAT included) per delegate
About This Programme
Delivered through three in-person workshops and one online session, this programme focuses on organisational strategy, building the confidence, mindset and essential skills required to thrive at a senior level. Participants will explore key themes including strategic leadership, leading change, finance and risk and interview readiness through a combination of expert-led sessions, collaborative learning, and applied practice.
Who Is The Programme For?
This programme is designed for established middle leaders working within the Further Education and Skills sector who are preparing to step into senior leadership. Delegates will typically hold cross-college responsibilities such as leading curriculum or quality areas, managing operational functions or overseeing significant teams. They may already demonstrate strategic influence and will benefit from a structured, career-focused programme to formalise their readiness for senior leadership roles.
Programme Features
- Four In-Person Modules
A series of interactive, face-to-face sessions focused on key leadership, communication, and strategic thinking themes—designed to build confidence and capability through real-world discussion and practical application. - Psychometric Profiling
In-depth individual analysis using a leading psychometric tool to support self-awareness, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of working styles and team dynamics. Group Networking Opportunities
Throughout the programme connect with colleagues from across the further education and skills sector, fostering peer learning, shared insights and lasting professional relationships.
Programme Workshops
- Leading Strategically (In-Person)
- Leading Change (In-Person)
- Leading Finance and Risk (In-Person)
- Interview Readiness (In-Person)
Delivery Dates:
| Cohort One | Tuesday 17th November 2026 | Tuesday 15th December 2026 | Thursday 14th January 2027 | Tuesday 2nd March 2027 or Wednesday 3rd March 2027 |
Location: Novotel Birmingham Centre
| Cohort Two | Tuesday 2nd February 2027 | Wednesday 10th March 2027 | Wednesday 28th April 2027 | Tuesday 11th May 2027 or Wednesday 12th May 2027 |
Location: Leonardo Hotel London Croydon
Module Four will be delivered across two group sessions. Participants will be allocated to a group at the start of the programme and will attend their assigned session.
Your Programme Team
Paul Wakeling
Paul has over twenty years of experience as a senior leader, including as Principal/CEO of a successful college. He now works across sectors supporting organisational improvement. Paul attended ‘Chaos, Conflict and Crisis’ at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and, in return, embedded ideas of adaptive leadership into his practice. He has worked as an Associate for Warwick Business School, contributing to programmes for the Cabinet Office. He has published his ideas on leadership and learning in Wakeling, P. & Mackay, F. Leading & Learning in Challenging Circumstances in Challenging Professional Learning, ed. Crowley, S. Oxon. Routledge, 2014.
Dame Sally Dicketts DBE
Dame Sally DBE is one of the Further Education and Skills sector’s most recognised leadership experts. As the former CEO of Activate Learning, she grew one of the largest education groups in the country. Through her current work as a leadership development trainer, coach and Non-Executive Director, she is recognised as a leading developer of people and cultures. Dame Sally DBE is currently Chair of the sexual health charity Brooke. She chairs Learning with Parents and also sits on the Boards of the University of Bradford and Royal Holloway University.
Dr Molly Makota
Molly is an experienced Chartered Accountant and the Chief Finance & Resources Officer at Christ the King Sixth Forms. With over 16 years of experience in both Further and Higher Education, she provides strategic leadership across finance, estates and capital planning, procurement, and people management and development, with a strong emphasis on long-term sustainability. A member of ACCA, CIMA, and CIPFA, Molly brings broad expertise spanning the public, private, and education sectors. She also contributes to sector advancement as a Governor at Barking & Dagenham College, supporting strong governance and institutional growth.
Matt Atkinson
Matt Atkinson is the Managing Director of FE Associates. Matt has worked in and around the FE sector for almost 30 years and is currently Chair of Governors at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. Matt’s career in Further Education started in London, and his leadership roles have taken him to six colleges across various parts of the country. Matt was the Principal and CEO of Bath College between 2007 and 2016.
Having developed and grown FE Associates’ leadership recruitment and management development practices, Matt has a particular interest in developing the sector’s talent pipeline and working with leaders to develop their capacity and confidence.
Gain Professional Recognition
Graduates of the Aspiring Senior Leaders for Success programme can take their professional development one step further through our partnership with The Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE).
As a programme graduate, delegates will be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of CIFE, gaining:
- Formal recognition of their leadership journey and achievements
- Professional status with the UK’s only Chartered body for technical and professional Further Education
- Access to a prestigious network of sector leaders and peers committed to advancing excellence in the further education sector.
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If you require assistance in completing your online booking, please contact Jack.Moriarty@fea.co.uk
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