Head Teachers in Scotland are facing huge pressures – balancing strategy with the daily demands of school life, while always keeping young people at the heart. Columba 1400’s Head Teachers’ Leadership Academy (HTLA) gives leaders a rare chance to pause, reconnect with their values, and rebuild confidence in their role.

Grounded in values-based leadership, the HTLA isn’t a traditional training course. Head teachers describe it as “affirming,” “life-changing,” and “unlike anything else.” It is personal, reflective, and focused on real human connection – not quick fixes or prescribed models.

Many graduates tell us that the HTLA helped them to “rediscover their vocation” – the reason they came into teaching in the first place, and it reinspired them to stay in the profession.

“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.”

How leaders feel

The University of Strathclyde’s 2024 evaluation found that participants in the HTLA came away with a stronger sense of purpose and greater confidence in their leadership. Many told us that, after the challenges of the pandemic, the time and space to reflect was exactly what they needed.

“I feel braver now, to make difficult decisions and I know this will have a positive impact on my school community… The course has given me a real confidence boost – at a time that it was really needed!”

“Columba 1400 gave me the confidence and self-belief to move from a small village school to leading a large inner-city school. The journey has been challenging, but it has made me a stronger leader. Returning to HTLA after five years, has refreshed my energy and renewed my sense of purpose – I feel like a new person, ready to fly over the fences.”

What leaders do differently

Head Teachers and Deputes reported making changes in their day-to-day leadership: leading with more calm and compassion, putting more focus on relationships, and paying attention to their own wellbeing.

They felt better equipped to make tough calls, to maintain a positive school ethos, and to lead with reflection rather than reaction. Importantly, many described ripple effects – supporting staff and pupils to step into leadership roles themselves.

As one Head Teacher put it:

“I now take more time to make decisions through a values-based lens. Sometimes, this means leaning into more challenging conversations, but I feel safe in the knowledge that I am being true to myself as a leader and the community I serve.” 

And another explained:

“Columba has had a profound impact on me and the community I serve. Four years on, I still return to the questions we explored about who I am, how I lead, and what I might yet become. By reflecting on my values and modelling a coaching approach, I’ve seen children and staff step into leadership and drive real change.”

The difference it makes

The longer-term impact is clear. Leaders spoke of stronger school cultures, higher staff morale, more engaged pupils, and better relationships with parents. Many also said the experience directly shaped their school’s vision and values.

The HTLA doesn’t just support individual leaders – it helps build leadership capacity across whole school communities, while contributing to national priorities such as The Promise and closing the attainment gap.

Claire, a Head Teacher, summed it up:

“This experience gave me time to get to the core of what type of leader I wish to be. It has given me practical hints and tools to face the challenges of this role as well as dealing with difficult situations. I feel this experience has given me more confidence in my abilities as a HT and as a result, I feel that I am a better leader.”

We are delighted to share that thanks to funding from the Scottish Government and the generous support of The Hunter Foundation, we are running 20 fully funded Head Teachers’ Leadership Academies (HTLAs) across Scotland in 2026. New dates for Autumn Term 2026 have just been released. Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers from Additional Support Needs, Virtual Heads, Early Years, Primary and Secondary schools in Scotland are invited to register here.