Case Study:
Lordswood Boys' School
John Insley, Assistant Principal at Lordswood Boys’ School, recently shared insights into the school’s approach to professional development and their decision to partner with The National College.
The importance of CPD
“We place a high value on CPD at our school,” John explained. “Our ethos is built around literacy and our three core values: Be Ready, Be Respectful, and Be Safe. By improving reading skills and fostering a love for learning, we believe we can support our boys in a meaningful way."
He continued, “The culture here is one of collaboration and constant progress. We don’t stop or stand still; we’re always driving forward to enhance the educational experience, which is reflected in our above-average attendance rates compared to national and local data.”
Dynamic and engaging professional development
Discussing the school’s innovative approach to professional development, John said, “Our CPD programme is designed to be dynamic and engaging. We alternate between discrete CPD sessions with nationally recognised speakers and weeks where staff are given time to conduct research on CPD topics of interest to them. This approach not only personalises professional development but also heavily utilises The National College's extensive library of resources and courses.”
When it came to choosing a CPD provider, the Assistant Principal emphasised the importance of variety and accessibility. “What we looked for in a CPD provider was a broad range of options,” he explained. “We needed a platform that could support all staff in developing their practice and allow them to progress at their own pace. The National College provides a 'one-stop-shop' under one subscription, which is incredibly valuable."
The decision to join The National College was also driven by the need for flexibility and comprehensive support. “We wanted a solution that allowed staff to access training at their convenience, enabling them to dip in and out of different sessions and pick up relevant training as needed,” he noted. “This flexibility allows our school to be proactive in our training approach, as well as reactive to immediate needs.”
Everything you need on one platform
John highlighted the platform’s ability to support various training needs across different roles within the school. “One of the biggest challenges we were looking to solve through The National College was ensuring consistent access to high-quality professional development and compliance training,” he said. “From my own specialisation, I find the resources on e-safety particularly useful. Our school uses the 'Wake Up Wednesday' feature to share weekly updates with parents in an easy-to-digest format. Additionally, the behaviour management resources are invaluable for supporting new staff members.”
When asked about the quality of the content, he responded positively. “The webinars and courses are high-quality and diverse. I appreciate the variety.”
John found the platform’s reporting tools particularly useful. “As an admin, I really appreciate the reporting features,” he said. “They make it easy to track training usage and ensure we’re getting the best value from our subscription. The watchlists are also beneficial when staff are guided on how best to use them, so they don’t just become another 'to-do list' amid everything else teachers have to do.”
Feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive. “Our staff enjoy the flexibility of using The National College around their working day,” he shared. “They particularly like the variety of content available, which caters to different interests and professional needs.”
An invaluable resource for the school
To sum up the school’s experience with The National College so far, John highlighted two major benefits. “Firstly, the sheer amount of content and training available - there’s truly something for everyone,” he remarked. “Secondly, the platform’s flexibility allows staff to learn and develop at their own pace, fitting training around their schedules.”
Overall, The National College has proved to be an invaluable resource for the school, supporting their commitment to continuous professional development and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.