Secondary Subject Leaders Network

The Secondary Subject Leaders’ Network launched in September 2025 and consists of subject leaders of English, mathematics, science, history, geography and MFL from eight different schools across the county.

What is it?

An opportunity for authentic collaboration between subject leaders across Cumbria.

The initial year-long pilot aims to empower subject leaders by supporting them in evaluating the implementation of their subject curriculum in their own school, and working with peers to develop the practice of their team.

Subject leaders will work in triads with leaders from other schools. They will access four CPD sessions to build their understanding of key aspects of leadership of curriculum with a particular focus on the effective leadership of people. They will visit other schools, working with the leaders from their triad to broaden their understanding of effective curriculum implementation.

It is our ambition that subject leaders will continue to work in a constructive professional network beyond the life of this initial year-long pilot.

Why have we launched this network?

International research evidence on professional networks is clear: where these are designed with a clear shared purpose that focuses on children’s learning and fosters supportive collaboration between peers, they have a positive impact on both staff development and student outcomes. By driving innovation through collaboration, they help to combat isolation and have a positive impact on staff morale. Participation can help to enhance a school’s learning culture and sustain success over the long term.

What’s the aim of the project?

To improve outcomes for students by:

Helping subject leaders to build supportive collaborative peer networks that will continue to strengthen their practice beyond the life of this project
Developing leadership skills that focus on the evidence behind the leadership of people
Improving subject leaders’ understanding of how well their curriculum is being implemented

Timeline

September 2025	In person half day training session for SLT learning mentor Focus: how to support effective peer collaboration In person half day training session for subject leaders Focus: using evidence to evaluate the efficacy of curriculum implementation.
HT 1 – HT3	3 x peer school visits
HT4	Online training and network session 2-4pm Focus: theory of change
HT5	Online training and network session 2-4pm Focus: challenging conversations
HT6	Online training and network session 2-4pm Focus: measuring impact
July 2025	In person event to celebrate and disseminate learning.