Side-by-side development: A case study

Matt Gracie, Assistant Head (Pastoral), Bedford School, UK Nicholas Hopton, Head of English, Bedford School, UK This case study focuses on the learning created by a coaching-style development model introduced at an independent boys’ senior school. It identifies characteristics of our school’s approach, which is based on enquiry, equity and commitment to development. We found that the approach could be utilised across subject domains and teacher experience in order to support development. We therefore expect that it can be applied in other contexts where professional development is the goal. Rationale and inspiration The programme and title were developed following staff training from external consultants in professional development and coaching. Colleagues who, informed by the inset, committed to being ‘coach-like’ (by which we mean having professional conversations that take an enquiry approach, involving open questions and empathic listening), reported greater fulfilment