We’re delighted to share that thanks to the generous support of The Hunter Foundation we are running eight Head Teachers’ Leadership Academies in 2025.
Head teachers or deputy head teachers in Scotland are invited to apply here.
The outcomes for our young people are significantly influenced by the experience they have in their pre-school, primary and secondary years.
We work in a variety of ways with education communities to help instil a values-based enabling school culture that optimises outcomes for young people: These include:
Head Teachers’ Leadership Academies (HTLA) for senior school leaders, where leaders from across the country come together on a journey of self and collective discovery.
Head Teachers connect to their values, connect to their team, connect to their school. Previously funded by The Scottish Government and The Hunter Foundation and accredited to the Excellence in Headship Programme, our Head Teacher Leadership Academy is open to all head and deputy head teachers in Scotland.
Stepping Stones for those at the start of their career and entering the profession.
Student teachers step into their values, share their voices and start their careers with a commitment to change. They build a powerful peer network that will sustain their professional practice for life. And they get ready to change the lives of Scotland’s young people.
Bespoke Vales-Based Leadership Experiences (VBLEs) for individual schools.
Leadership Experiences tailored to the unique needs of individual schools.
What happens on a leadership academy?
Participants reconnect to their power and their desire to drive change. They open up, reconnect to their values and build a powerful network to make a lasting difference to education in Scotland.
Here’s how:
- By developing leadership skills to create transformational change
- By unlocking values, building confidence and resilience, and creating action
- By building a self-sustaining community with powerful bonds and real momentum
- By connecting with a community that will continue to support, nurture and inspire.
To find out more about our Education Leadership Academies please email us on [email protected]



Columba 1400 has been a career changing experience for me. I have been re-inspired to love again the job I was losing my way with.”
HEAD TEACHER
“My Columba 1400 HTLA was quite unbelievable. I could not have expected to have developed my thinking, understanding and refocus my values in such a short time.”
HEAD TEACHER
Phase One
Two preparatory daysTwo online preparatory days
Delivered online these days provide a preparation for the residential experience and discussion around values-based leadership.
Phase Two
Residential experienceResidential experience
Taking place over three to four days at Blair House in Dalry or at Ardoch on Loch Lomond this is an opportunity to address crucial leadership questions.
Phase Three
Continue developing a focus on leadershipContinue developing a focus on leadership
Continuing to develop leadership potential and connect with others within the HTLA Scotland-wide alumni network.