Leading LGBT+ Inclusive Schools - Cohort 1

Join Jo Brassington and Dr Adam Brett, Associates for the Belonging Effect Co-Founders of Pride and Progress for the Leading LGBT+ Inclusive Schools Programme launching in Autumn 2026.

Programme Context:

In recent years, there have been significant changes in policy and guidance which impacts how schools must work with and support their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, + students. In 2026, schools will be implementing new Relationships, Sex, and Health Education as well as an updated version of statutory safeguarding guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education with new guidance around LGBTQ+ issues.

This new guidance is being enacted within the context of continued research demonstrating the ongoing challenges and adverse experiences many LGBTQ+ students continue to navigate in UK schools. At this time, it is vital for educators to grow their consciousness, confidence, and competence in this specific area of wider DEIB work.

Programme Overview:

This programme draws upon the award-winning book ‘Pride & Progress: Making Schools LGBT+ Inclusive Spaces’, and subsequent research by its authors. Join us to explore how to blend theory with practice and ensure that your educational setting is safe and supportive for its LGBT+ community.

Our 6-part programme will support you throughout an academic year, through a half-termly virtual session. Each session will provide new training alongside reflection points to consider and review how the learned content applies to your setting. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and open discussions to help you shape intention into impact.

Programme Target Audience:

• You want to create an educational space which is LGBTQ+ inclusive.
• Perhaps you are part of the safeguarding team.
• Perhaps you are involved in running a school Pride Group.
• Or perhaps you are a school governor linked to DEIB.

Programme Themes:

• Key Terms & New Guidance: This session will begin by developing a common inclusive language before setting out the current legal frameworks and school statutory guidance relating to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
• A Model for Inclusive Educational Spaces Part 1: This session will set out a model for inclusive educational spaces, and explore how this model maps in different educational settings.
• Leadership, Allyship & Advocacy: This final session will focus on what happens beyond the programme. Exploring research into LGBTQ+ leadership, and next steps towards allyship and advocacy. This session will prepare you to continue this learning journey beyond the completion of the programme.

• A Model for Inclusive Educational Spaces Part 2: This session will re-visit the model for inclusive educational spaces and use it as a tool to assess your setting and set individual next steps.
• Research Informed Inclusion: In this session we will explore a variety of recent research, discussing how this translates to practice in order to ensure the work you are doing is underpinned by research and theory.
• Scenarios & Questions: Based on our conversations in sessions 1-4, this session will focus on exploring scenarios to share best practice and build consciousness, confidence and competence amongst the group.

Programme Schedule:

• Monday 5th October 1:30-3:00pm
• Monday 30th December 1:30-3:00pm
• Monday 1st February 1:30-3:00pm
• Monday 22nd March 1:30-3:00pm
• Monday 17th May 1:30-3:00pm
• Monday 28th July 1:30-3:00pm

Programme Fee:

• £350 + VAT per person to attend the series of 6 sessions.
• You can pay through Eventbrite or request an invoice.
• Payment is required in advance to secure 1/24 places in the cohort.

Programme Facilitators:

• Pride & Progress is an award-winning podcast, research platform, book, and community group working to amplify the voices of LGBT+ educators and explore ways to make our educational spaces more inclusive. They published their award-winning book 'Pride & Progress: Making Schools LGBT+ Inclusive Spaces'. This programme will be facilitated by the two co-founders of Pride & Progress:
• Dr Adam Brett (he/him) is a former secondary school teacher, now a lecturer and researcher at the University of Derby with research interests including LGBT+, SEND, and diversity and inclusion.
• Jo Brassington (they/them) is a former primary school teacher, now lead associate at Diverse Educators and PhD candidate researching LGBT+ networks in education.

Programme Testimonials:

This programme is new for next academic year, but in its previous forms it reviewed excellent feedback, including:

'This course will benefit you in your personal growth as well as your development as an educator. I admittedly was hesitant because of the length of time I'd be sitting on a virtual call, but when participating, time flew because there was a lot to learn, it was clearly structured, and both Adam and Jo were engaging and personable. I left the call feeling energised and charged with wanting to develop training for my ITTE course as soon as possible! You can bring your full self and your questions, and you'll be welcomed on this course regardless of your starting point.'

'The Pride and Progress training was the perfect balance of academic theory, up to date information with plenty of time for reflection and discussion. Ideal for any educators looking to deepen their understanding and develop safe and inclusive spaces.'

'A full and engaging day! You created a space for me to share via chat or aloud in both whole and small groups. I felt comfortable asking questions and you shared knowledgeable responses at all points from my point of view! The section on language was simple and effective. The questions you posed in each section were open and simple enough that someone with any level of experience could access.'

For more information:

Contact hannah@thebelongingeffect.co.uk