These courses are commissioned by Professional Development Leicester (PDL) and delivered by The Mead Institute of Professional Learning. As this initiative is funded via de-delegation, all opportunities are offered at a free cost for Leicester City maintained primary schools. Non-maintained and Leicestershire schools are very welcome to participate, but a full charge will apply.
How to book:
Individual booking links for each training opportunity can be found within the course information below.
Autumn Term
Cost: Free for Leicester City maintained schools. £30 for non-maintained city schools and all Leicestershire schools.
Course Provider: The Mead Institute of Professional Learning
Date & time: Wednesday 19th November 2025, 5:45pm - 6:45pm, online
Overview
Find out what governors need to focus on and what they need to know in order to hold their school to account.
Spring Term
Cost: Free for Leicester City maintained schools. £30 for non-maintained city schools and all Leicestershire schools.
Course Provider: The Mead Institute of Professional Learning
Date & Time: Thursday 15th January 2026, 5:45pm - 6:45pm, online
Overview:
Find out how to determine whether your school curriculum is balanced and broadly based.
Cost: Free for Leicester City maintained schools. £30 for non-maintained city schools and all Leicestershire schools.
Course Provider: The Mead Institute of Professional Learning
Date & Time: Tuesday 10th February 2026, 5:45pm - 7:30pm, online
Overview
Active Governance is about much more than sitting through a few meetings over the year. Effective governance needs those involved to work as a team to understand their school and to focus on the core functions of governance.
This workshop focuses on what you can do to be an active governor and aims to develop an understanding of:
- Effective school visits
- What questions you could ask in meetings and visits
- How you can participate effectively in governance of your school
Cost: Free for Leicester City maintained schools. £30 for non-maintained city schools and all Leicestershire schools.
Course Provider: The Mead Institute of Professional Learning
Date & Time: Thursday 12th March 2026, 5:45pm - 7:30pm, online
Overview:
Improve your understanding of the important statutory duties Governing Bodies have towards SEND pupils.
Cost: Free for Leicester City maintained schools. £30 for non-maintained city schools and all Leicestershire schools.
Course Provider: The Mead Institute of Professional Learning
Date & Time: Monday 23rd March 2026, 5:45pm - 7:30pm, online
Overview:
Governing bodies are required to convene panels for a range of purposes and there is usually a tight timescale to do so. It is recommended that governing bodies have a group of governors who are trained on panels and so are ready when needed.
This workshop aims to develop understanding of:
- Types of panels, including Exclusions, Complaints, Staff Discipline and Dismissal, Staff Grievance and Pay Appeal
- When you need to convene panels
- What guidance, regulation and policies govern panel hearings
- Practical issues of setting up and administering panel hearings
- The sorts of questions you should ask
- What decisions you can make
- What happens if there is an appeal
Summer Term
Cost: Free for Leicester City maintained schools. £30 for non-maintained city schools and all Leicestershire schools
Course Provider: The Mead Institute of Professional Learning
Date & Time: Thursday 21st May 2026, 5:45pm - 6:45pm, online
Overview:
Find out how self evaluation can improve individual and team effectiveness.
Cost: Free for Leicester City maintained schools. £30 for non-maintained city schools and all Leicestershire schools.
Course Provider: The Mead Institute of Professional Learning
Date & Time: Thursday 4th June 2026, 5:45pm - 6:45pm, online
Overview:
Be clear on your role and the accountability of the Governing Body for Pupil Premium and other external funding.