ODBE -Headteacher Induction Programme

Headteacher Induction and Programme 2026-2027

Support for New Headteachers in ODBE Schools

‘He shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them with skilful hands.’

Psalm 78:72

Core objective: To help settle new headteachers into their role, so that they flourish as leaders of Church schools and academies within the Diocese of Oxford.

Are you a Headteacher new to your role within a Church school or academy?

The Headteacher Induction and Partnership (HIP) will help you to settle into your post as a leader in a Church school, by giving you access to bespoke webinars and in-person training and a network of peer support partnerships to help you flourish as a leader. We will explore our emotional intelligence, how we lead, and how we treat others. This is an opportunity to explore parts of the headteacher role that no one can prepare you for. HIP supports leaders in building strong and long-standing relationships within the context of each school.

HIP is for all new headteachers or heads of school and those within the first two years of headship:

A.

Friday 25 September 2026

9:30 am - 3:00 pm

Welcome session - In-person launch and commissioning service for new Headteachers

Church schools serving modern Britain

Hear from a serving Church school Headteachers with Q&A sessions

An introduction to emotional intelligence and awareness, and the untold stories

Short sessions covering the following: governance, admissions, premises, the role of ODBE,

collective worship, RE, SIAMS, Communication team, chaplaincy and parish engagement…

Time to network and meet other new Headteachers over lunch

Venue: Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GF

B.*

Wednesday 02 December 2026

9:30 - 11:00

SIAMS Headteacher Essentials Webinar,

led by Helen Crolla, SIAMS Adviser

Beyond the job description

Led by Chris Price-Smith

C.*

Monday

08 February 2027

9:30 - 11:00

Religious Education Headteacher Essentials Webinar, led by Katie Dickens, RE Adviser

The business of relationships

Led by Chris Price-Smith

D.*

Tuesday

08 June 2027

9:30 - 11:00

Collective Worship Headteacher Essentials Webinar, led by Janine Coaker, Worship & Chaplaincy Adviser

Maintaining work-life balance

Led by Chris Price-Smith

E.

Friday 01 October 2027

9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Final session - Developing my school as a Church School and my servant leadership – Led by Toby Long

Embedding resilience moving forward Led by Chris Price-Smith

We will finish with lunch together

Venue: Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GF

Post-HIP: The Pathway doesn’t stop here! ODBE is fully committed to supporting and developing high-quality leadership in all its schools. ODBE offers the continuation of the Performance, Resilience and Support Programme (PRS) each academic year. This programme is specifically aimed at headteachers and enables all school leaders attending to pause and reflect on their personal professional journey and spiritual leadership as well as share strategies for addressing the challenges of headship.

FREE for each new Headteacher at schools in the SLA

Please note online ticket sales close 7 days before the event. If you wish to book after this time please contact donna.finlay@oxford.anglican.org to book directly.