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Coaching
Coaching Models
At Beyond Schools Trust, we want everyone to be the best they can be and we believe coaching forms a crucial part of this development journey. There are many coaching models out there with research and evidence behind their efficacy. We currently offer a 3 types of coaching strategies in our schools:
Leadership Coaching
Leadership Coaching
We have partnered with Head First as our preferred coaching supplier. Head First's programmes empower headteachers and educational leaders to sharpen their leadership, strengthen self- confidence and resilience - whilst acquiring practical tools and strategies to build incredible teams and successfully lead their schools. Whether you are a senior leader or an aspiring middle leader, they offer a range of programmes to suit you which are either 1-to-1 or small group coaching. Browse the Head First brochure and discuss with your line manager about future coaching opportunities and how it fits with your professional growth.
StepLab Coaching
StepLab Coaching
At Beyond School Trust, we are committed to delivering outstanding learning experiences and empowering our educators to thrive. That’s why we’ve partnered with Steplab, a cutting-edge professional development platform designed to transform teaching through evidence-informed practice and responsive coaching.
Following a successful pilot, Steplab is now being rolled out across our schools, offering tailored support where it’s needed most. The platform enables teachers to refine their craft through:
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Granular, sequenced teaching techniques grounded in the science of learning.
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In-classroom video models showcasing best practice.
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Real-time coaching tools that foster meaningful, actionable feedback.
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Secure video capture and analytics to reflect on progress and celebrate excellence.
Already, we’ve seen measurable improvements in teaching quality, especially in our targeted interventions across our schools. School leaders and the School Improvement Teams have evidenced positive impacts in the classroom, and Steplab’s integration into our Trust Improvement Plan is helping us embed robust systems for monitoring and evaluating the quality of education.
If you would like to become a trained Steplab coach please speak to your line manager.
If you would like to be supported by a trained Steplab coach please step to your Professional Growth Champion
To find our more about StepLab's resources please click on the icon below which will take you the Trust SharePoint site.
Self-directed Coaching
Self-directed Coaching
We believe that great teaching is one of the most dynamic crafts in the world - one that flourishes through reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our Self-Directed Coaching initiative is designed to help teachers, especially those early in their careers, take ownership of their professional development through accessible, evidence-informed coaching practices. It can also prepare you for your first stages of leadership development – preparing yourself for how to help and coach others to improve.
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Why Coaching?
Coaching is not about being told what to do - it’s about unlocking potential. It encourages teachers and (all staff) to reflect on their practice, experiment with new strategies, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Research shows that coaching improves employee performance, and specifically in our context, teacher effectiveness, student outcomes, and staff wellbeing.
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The GROW Coaching Model: A Simple Framework for Growth
​The GROW Model is one of the most widely used coaching frameworks in education and leadership. It provides a clear structure for coaching conversations and empowers teachers to take meaningful steps toward improvement.
GROW stands for:
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G – Goal
What do you want to achieve? This sets the direction and purpose of the coaching conversation. -
R – Reality
What is happening now? This explores the current situation, challenges, and context. -
O – Options
What could you do? This opens up possibilities, strategies, and resources. -
W – Way Forward
What will you do? This defines the actions, commitments, and timelines for moving ahead.
This model encourages clarity, ownership, and action - perfect for self-directed coaching sessions, peer-to-peer support, or structured mentoring. It’s simple, powerful, and adaptable to any teaching context.
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Introductory Reading
To help you get started, we’ve collated a selection of free resources that introduce coaching principles and models:
A comprehensive guide to the GROW model, including examples, exercises, and coaching questions. It explains how the model fosters clarity, accountability, and motivation
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A step-by-step breakdown of the model, ideal for beginners looking to apply coaching in mentoring or peer support
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​This article from Crewmojo introduces the GROW coaching and feedback model, explains its benefits for developing staff,
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Download the Crewmojo one page model you can use for self-review with a peer or to help coach a peer.
The GROW model on a page - Curtesy of Crewmojo
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