Apprentice: Rachael Jackson-Royal
Job Title: Head of RE, Foundation Lead for RE, Teaching and Learning Lead
School: King Edward VI High School for Girls
Department: Religious Education
Apprenticeship Program: School Leader Programme Level 5 Apprenticeship with NPQSL
Training Provider: Best Practice Network
Why Rachael Chose This Apprenticeship
Rachael pursued a Level 5 apprenticeship alongside the NPQSL to prepare for a senior leadership role. She felt that the NPQSL alone did not fully equip her for this transition, so she opted for the more comprehensive School Leader Programme. This dual award is mapped to the DfE's NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprentice Standard. By completing these two prestigious qualifications concurrently, she managed a much smaller workload than if she had completed them separately. This programme provided Rachael with extended leadership training that goes beyond the standard NPQSL curriculum, ensuring she was well-prepared for a senior leadership role
Key Achievements and Impact
Rachael applied her learning through a whole-school project focused on revising homework and feedback strategies. The project was impactful, with students reporting more meaningful homework and staff experiencing reduced workloads due to improved task-sharing. Rachael also led change effectively, using leadership theories and change management principles to gain buy-in from staff, students, and parents.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
Rachael’s apprenticeship deepened her understanding of school governance, risk management, finance, HR, and leadership theories. She also developed practical skills in managing change, time management, and understanding school finances. These skills were directly applied to her leadership role and project implementation, equipping her to drive effective school-wide change.
Overcoming Challenges
Rachael faced challenges in adapting business-focused apprenticeship content to the school environment. She also had to balance her demanding role with the time commitment of the apprenticeship. To overcome these obstacles, Rachael sought guidance from her mentors, created a dedicated study time, and worked closely with her colleagues to find opportunities for growth within her role.
Professional and Personal Development
The apprenticeship gave Rachael a broader perspective on school operations, senior leadership, and strategic decision-making. It enhanced her leadership abilities, making her more self-reflective and confident in her role. Personally, Rachael felt more empowered as a leader, with a clearer understanding of how to inspire and implement change.
Future Career Plans
Rachael plans to continue developing her leadership skills in her current role and is currently pursuing the Level 7 apprenticeship through a Masters in Educational Leadership. This will allow her to build on the skills she’s developed and take on more strategic responsibilities in the future.
Line Manager’s Perspective: Martin Lea
Rachael has demonstrated significant leadership potential throughout the apprenticeship. She applied her learning to successfully lead a whole-school project that improved homework practices, benefiting both staff and students. Her clear communication and presentation skills made a strong impact when presenting the project to senior leaders and staff. Rachael is ready for the next stage of her career, and her dedication to professional development is evident.
