ELLP
What is ELLP?
The Emerging Lighthouse Leadership Programme (ELLP) is grounded in evidence informed research and is underpinned by the Education Endowment Foundation’s mechanisms for effective professional development for teachers. Over 8 three hour sessions, participants learn and apply a range of theories that specifically train staff in 5 core skills of leadership. These sessions are designed to equip teachers with the skills needed to effectively lead a subject and support their colleagues, whilst fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment. This not only enhances pupil outcomes but also strengthens the overall effectiveness, well-being and cohesion of the teams being led in schools.
Industry Insights: Guest Speakers
Most sessions also feature guest speakers from the worlds of television and graphic design, offering fresh perspectives on leadership, communication, and creativity. Their insights show how the skills developed throughout the programme—such as collaboration, problem-solving, and influencing others—are highly transferable across industries, reinforcing the value and versatility of the learning for participants both within and beyond education. In July of 2025, ELLP participants at DRB connected with Sandy Batho, floor Manager for the BBC, live from Court Number 1 at Wimbledon.
School-Based Mentors:
For participants joining the programme, it is essential that they have a senior member of staff to support them as a School-Based Mentor. This leader will act as role a model and provide personalised coaching support; helping participants apply the leadership skills that are taught throughout the programme within each individual school setting. Mentorship should have minimal impact on the mentors' workload. By meeting with mentors for 20 minutes (or longer) after each training session, participants benefit from contextualised opportunities to explore each leadership skill, ultimately strengthening the overall effectiveness of the program. The role of the mentor is instrumental to the success of the 6th and 7th in school sessions as they organise, model and support with the practical application of leadership skills through lesson visits. Mentors can coach more than one participant. Training slides are always shared with mentors following each session.
Structure of the programme:
SESSION 1-COMMUNICATION-HOW TO TAKE PEOPLE WITH YOU AS YOU LEAD.
SESSION 2- TIME MANAGEMENT-HOW TO ACTIVELY INVEST AND MANAGE TIME AND WORKLOAD.
SESSION 3- EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE PART 1-SELF-AWARENESS: THE CORNERSTONE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE.
SESSION 4- EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE PART 2- THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY IN LEADERSHIP.
SESSION 5- PROBLEM SOLVING AND RESILIENCE-SIMPLIFYING THE PROCESS TO FIND A SOLUTION.
SESSION 6 AND 7-PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SKILLS THROUGH LESSON VISITS.
In Session 6, the participant visits lessons relevant to their leadership role with the School-Based Mentor and collaborates with them to write feedback. Participants then observe the School-Based Mentor deliver the feedback, taking note of the 5 leadership skills being applied in action.
In Session 7, the roles are reversed. Whilst the participant observes the lesson alongside the School-Based Mentor, they independently form feedback and then are observed delivering it to colleagues, carefully applying the 5 leadership skills that have been taught.
SESSION 8- FINAL SESSION- DISCUSSION OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND APPLICATION OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS DURING LESSON VISITS and FEEDBACK. Participants will also have the option to give a short presentation on their experiences.
Complete ELLP and fast-track your Masters with the University of Staffordshire:
Working with the University of Staffordshire, we are pleased to highlight opportunities for participants of the Emerging Lighthouse Leadership Programme (ELLP) to continue their academic and professional development through Masters-level study.
The University of Staffordshire operates a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy, which means that applicants may be considered for credit towards a Master’s degree where their previous qualifications and learning meet the University’s requirements. For example, a PGCE is typically recognised for 60 credits, and a National Professional Qualification (NPQ) may be awarded a further 40 credits. In some cases, participants may already hold a Postgraduate Diploma, which is also worth 100 credits. However, the University does not grant more than 100 credits through RPL, due to the balance required between taught modules, social research, and the final research project.
Participants who have completed ELLP are also encouraged to explore the possibility of applying through the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route. This process is not automatic; each application is considered on an individual basis by the University’s admissions team and course leads. Applicants would need to map their ELLP experience to the learning outcomes of specific modules to demonstrate alignment.
For Lighthouse MAT participants beginning a Master’s programme in May 2026, this may include applying for RPEL for the first 20-credit module, The Disruptive Educator. Lighthouse has undertaken an initial mapping exercise showing how ELLP outcomes and approaches may relate to this module, which can support individuals in preparing their applications. If successful, applicants would be able to progress directly into the second year of the Master’s in September 2026, completing the remaining 100 credits by July 2027.
This route offers an exciting and accessible pathway for aspiring leaders to build on their ELLP experience and gain further academic recognition, while benefiting from reduced cost and study time.
ELLP is grounded in evidence-informed action research from a Master's dissertation in Education. Please see below to view the research.
ELLP in the National Press
ELLP has also been recognised nationally, having been featured in an article for the TES on developing subject leadership in primary schools. The piece highlighted how the programme provides new and aspiring leaders with the confidence, tools, and practical strategies they need to succeed, showcasing ELLP as an example of impactful professional development making a real difference in schools. Click on the link below to read the full article:
Feedback from ELLP participants
"The ELLP course has significantly enhanced my practice and supported me as a new leader by providing me with a deeper understanding of effective leadership strategies. Through the course, I have gained valuable insights into communication techniques, the effectiveness of time management and decision-making processes that have allowed me to approach challenges with greater confidence and clarity. The ELLP has also introduced me to new methods for fostering collaboration and motivation among team members, which has strengthened my ability to inspire and guide them toward shared goals. It has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to be a more effective, adaptive, and empathetic leader." Hollie
"The ELLP course has had a huge positive impact on my leadership thus far. It has guided me on how to take on the role of a subject co-ordinator with confidence and has allowed me to gain expertise through other members of staff across the federation. The discussions within the ELLP course have not only brought a new perspective of leadership skills to my attention but also how to effectively give feedback within my subject. Having an experienced mentor within the ELLP course has also broaden my understanding of subject co-ordination and I now feel much more self-assured that I will be an effective leader for my subject with the support and direction the ELLP course has given me. I cannot be more thankful for the opportunity. " Beth
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