Diversity in leadership programme

The Ealing diversity in leadership programme is a collaboration between the Ealing Learning Partnership (ELP) and from this year, The Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School

Supporting career progression pathways for teachers from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnicity communities who would like to pursue roles in senior leadership - headship, deputy, and assistant headship roles. To hear more from current Ealing leaders watch our Ealing school recruitment videos are on YouTube.

Racial diversity within the school workforce is valuable in, ‘fostering social cohesion and most importantly, in supporting pupils to grow and develop in an environment of visible, diverse role models’ (DfE, 2018, p.2).

The Racial Equality in the Teacher Workforce report (NFER, 2022) finds that teachers from minoritised ethnicity communities are underrepresented in the profession, particularly at senior leadership and headship levels, and are less likely to stay in the profession.

In Ealing whilst over 70% of our pupil population is from Black, Asian and minoritised backgrounds, for school leadership this translates into only 23%. Clearly, there is work to be done to address this imbalance.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is for middle and senior leaders from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnicity communities who are interested in becoming a senior leader and ready to apply for promotion during 2025-26.

What is involved?

The programme begins in November 2025 and will be completed by July 2026. The elements of the programme are:

Launch event
DiSC personal assessment
Support from a personal leadership coach
Presentation and public speaking training
Application and interview workshop
Mock recruitment experience – application, interview and feedback
One-day shadowing placement (Assistant, Deputy, Headteacher)
LeadMeet - opportunity to learn from each other and share key learning.

Places

There are up to 20 places on the programme for 2025-26.

Cost

Places on the programme are subsidised by ELP and this year will be hosted by The Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School. The cost per participant is £250. By supporting this application, schools are committing to the release of participants for the placement, mock interview and the workshops.

How to apply

Please complete the application form and return to Siara Mirza mirzas@wiseman.ealing.sch.uk by Monday 13 October 2025.