COBIS Programme for Aspiring Heads (CPAH)

The CPAH is intended for leaders new to headship and Aspiring Heads. To be accepted into the course, candidates should meet the following minimum expectations:

• at least two years in a middle or senior leadership role, preferably with whole-school experience
• currently in a headship or planning to move into headship within the next three years

• All prospective CPAH participants must complete a course application form to demonstrate suitability for the course. 
• Applications must be submitted by 12 noon (BST) on the closing date
• Successful candidates will be notified following the closing date
• If your application is successful, you will be notified by email and invoiced for the course fee 
• Course fee invoices will be raised by the host school
• Cohorts will only be confirmed once minimum numbers of course fee payments have been received
• To register interest for 2024/25, please email events@cobis.org.uk 

• Making your educational philosophy and vision come to life
• Leading pedagogy and curriculum design
• Personal reflection, self-evaluation and target setting
• Leading, implementing and managing change successfully
• Leading teams, managing relationships, growing talent 
• Planning for success - the first 100 days of headship
• Collaboration, networking and alliances
• Owners, governance and governors
• Finance and facilities
• Communicating to maximise stakeholder engagement
• Choice of assessments in the areas of leading change, transforming and building teams, communication, and optional school placements, taking advantage of delegates own context and allowing the development of in-school project 

• Initial self-assessment and pre-reading
• 3 days of facilitated face-to-face sessions in the autumn term
• 3 assignments which can include an optional school placement shadowing senior leaders
• 2 online sessions
• 3 days of facilitated face-to-face sessions (online for Muscat cohort only) in the spring/summer term including participant presentations
• Networking, support and further activities throughout the course delivered through the online learning platform  

• A tremendous opportunity to learn from and with other international school practitioners
• A suitable qualification to prepare you for headship in an international school; recognised by international school governing bodies
• A natural progression from the COBIS Programme for Middle Leaders (CPML)
• An opportunity to explore questions such as:
  • What kind of leader are you?
  • How would you lead and manage people?
  • How would you lead and manage teaching and learning?
  • What curriculum will be right for your school?

“The interview session on the course and the 100 day reflection were very valuable and I used them in my interview process straight after the course. I secured a new position almost days after the face-to-face sessions ended, and I will be putting into action the 100 day reflection. What I will be doing during that time will be directly related to what I learnt on the course.”

“For me, the most rewarding part of the CPAH programme was the opportunity to learn from experienced Principals who spoke openly about the challenges and joys of leadership. Hearing first-hand about leading and collaborating with key stakeholders was eye opening.  It was also invaluable learning from, and sharing experiences with, colleagues from other international schools who were experiencing many of the same situations as me: there was a culture of trust and professionalism which allowed us all to air our concerns and offer support to each other.”

"The conversations and networking are invaluable."

"The benefit of the face to face sessions was immense as you were immersed in learning and leadership away from the pressures of your own school."

"The CPAH allowed me to confirm what accountability looks like in high performing schools and different contexts. It allowed me to refine my approach in problem solving, delegation and leading strategically."

"I am a better leader now than before undertaking the CPAH..."
"I am a better leader now than before undertaking the CPAH, mainly down to learning from others and reflecting on my own practice… The learning points from this year will have a positive impact on teaching and learning in the next academic year."

"The facilitators were excellent… They were willing to speak candidly about their senior leadership experiences and answer any questions we had. I feel I am now in a position to be a better leader and know what my strengths and weaknesses are. Thank you for all your help, support and advice."