Prior to starting the Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5, Leah was spinning many plates and juggling many roles at The Sallygate School in Dover. From this, she saw a gap in her school’s training and knew she wanted to introduce coaching within her setting but wasn’t sure how to make the move. In this case study, Leah discusses the positive impact coaching has had so far and the exciting next steps she is taking within her career..

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what led you to the Coaching in Education Apprenticeship? 

My role before coaching had a fair few things to consider. I was phase leader, a year 11 teacher with assistant head responsibilities as well as ECT mentor. My head teacher joined our school in June 2025 and had a vision for coaching within our setting, so I discussed with him that I was really keen to bring it into our school because I could see the benefits of it for both staff and pupils. I had previously been looking at coaching courses for around two years and knew I wanted to go down this route, I just didn’t know how. Luckily, my head could also see the benefits and agreed for me to do it.

How did you come across Best Practice Network?  

I recently did my NPQSL with Best Practice Network so already knew about the company and I was so impressed with the NPQSL course. I got an update promoting the Coaching in Education Apprenticeship which just looked ideal, I got permission from my head to apply for it and the rest is history!

How are you finding the apprenticeship? 

As I’ve gone through the course, I’ve learnt so much, particularly the theoretical side of it. I had previously done a master’s in psychology which gave me a good basis for it. I knew about the benefits of coaching but didn’t really have a good understanding of the theory side of it. The virtual classrooms are absolutely fantastic, and I cannot fault the learning on BUD. I think it’s so in-depth and engaging. It feels like it’s not too much and it really suits my learning style.

What are aspects of the apprenticeship are you enjoying? 

I’ve enjoyed the virtual classrooms and the breakout rooms which really surprised me. When I was told, “you are going to coach some strangers”, I was honestly filled with so much dread and went in with preconceived ideas, but it was completely different. It’s about putting what you’ve learnt into practice and getting feedback from people that are doing the same thing as you. It’s probably been one of the most useful parts of the course.

How have you applied your knowledge/skills in your school? 

From learning the theory side of things and the breakout rooms, I have become more confident within leadership meetings and I’m able to bring what I’ve learnt into my phase meetings as well. Prior to starting the programme, when my team came to me with a problem, I used to feel like they wanted me to fix it and I used to feel stressed about that, but what coaching has provided me is the reminder that everybody has it within them to fix or manage their classrooms, it’s my job to coach that out of them. So now, I don’t go into these conversations thinking, what can I do to help, I go in thinking, what questions can I ask so they come up with the idea themselves.

Did you have any goals before starting the apprenticeship? 

One of my goals was to be out of the classroom and mentoring and coaching staff full time and that’s already happened, which is fantastic. My next goal is I want to be coaching our pupils. Teachers are already tutoring the pupils, but I hope this will turn into coaching sessions, where I’m able to come in and develop the staff and teach them about coaching. I’d like to build focused coaching sessions for our year 10s and 11s because at that age, they don’t really understand themselves or their way of thinking, which is what coaching fundamentally gives a person. This would hopefully be able to enhance their whole experience at school. I think there’s a gap in the market for teenagers for access to proper coaching. That’s a long-term dream though.

What positive outcomes have you seen? 

With one of my clients, we have spoken about self-advocacy and what she wants from her role, and consequently she has been promoted, which is lovely to see. I’ve got another teacher going into leadership, it feels like a pinch me moment because you can’t believe how impactful coaching is.

What has been your proudest moment so far? 

I will be coaching and upskilling staff at the end of the academic year. It hasn’t fully developed yet, but I will come out of class and will be a full-time coach which is pretty impressive. It’s my ideal role. I always knew I wanted to come out of the classroom, but thought it would be at least another year, but it’s happened much faster than that. To already have had a promotion and not even finish the course is a testament to how successful it is. I can really see the impact I’m going to have.

What would you say to someone considering doing the Coaching in Education Apprenticeship? 

I would say, go for it. You never know, you could embed coaching into the school you’re in and improve the outcomes of pupils.

Would you recommend Best Practice Network? 

Absolutely. Everything has just gone so smoothly from when I signed up, and it’s just felt so easy to do. The deadlines have been easy to achieve, Sean, my tutor, is always at the end of a phone or an email to put my mind at rest and I just think it’s such a worthwhile course.

Start your coaching journey today 

The Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5 is a 9-month course that includes the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring at no extra cost. Find out more here and become your school’s coaching ambassador.