A Kendal-based training company and a South Cumbrian school have been shortlisted for a national award after a leadership programme was linked to improved staff confidence and praise from Ofsted.
Leader-Connect and Dallam School in Milnthorpe are finalists in the Innovation with Impact category at the Leadership Live awards. The school’s entire senior team completed a leadership course run by Leader-Connect owner Neil Jurd.
Leadership programme involved 21 teachers
The programme began in October 2025 and enrolled 21 Dallam teachers with the Institute of Leadership. Its reported impact included stronger staff engagement and confidence in leadership, while learning from the course was incorporated into the school’s improvement plans, appraisal process and day-to-day leadership.
The training also preceded Ofsted praising leadership skills at the school during a recent inspection, according to the award submission.
Dallam headteacher Steve Henneberry said the recognition reflected work developed collectively by staff.
“This is particularly special because it recognises something we have built together. “Our submission captured the significant improvement in staff engagement and confidence in leadership; the powerful feedback from colleagues; the way the learning has become embedded through our improvement plans, appraisal and everyday leadership; and the independent validation we received through Ofsted. “To now have that work recognised nationally by the Institute of Leadership is something of which we should all be incredibly proud.”
Award ceremony in Milton Keynes
Neil Jurd said leadership training could benefit school senior leadership teams and pointed to evidence connecting strong school leadership with higher pupil exam grades.
“We know that any school senior leadership team would benefit from leadership training. “And there is evidence that pupils achieve higher exam grades from schools with good leadership. For any school wanting to improve its Ofsted standing, leadership training is a good start.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Milton Keynes on Tuesday, September 29.