Retiring and Thriving: Planning for retirement programme

Retirement is a huge life transition. School, college and trust leaders are leaving jobs which have been challenging, maybe stressful, but also rewarding and fun. So much time and energy has been invested into providing the best education possible for the young people in our care but suddenly that stops. Some may continue to work but for many, there are still a lot of change and adjustments to make.

This new programme provides participants with a supportive and confidential space to share their concerns, queries and plans with other colleagues going through a similar transition. Over three online sessions and a face-to-face meeting at ASCL HQ (full details in the Programme tab below), discussions will centre around priorities and what makes a healthy and satisfying retirement. Everyone is different so there is no blueprint, however, these sessions provide the opportunity to reflect on individual aspirations and plans, giving the space and information needed to thrive in retirement. 

The workshops will be led by retired headteachers, Patsy Kane and Alan Brady.
 
Speaker
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Patsy Kane OBE

Retired executive headteacher

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Alan Brady

Retired headteacher

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Session 1
3 July 3.35-4.45 online

In this session, we will reflect on what retirement means to you and our families. You’ll have space to share your expectations and current plans. What are the challenges and opportunities for you and your family? We’ll consider how you might leave and let go and reflect on your legacy.

Session 2 
30 September 10-11 online

In this session, we will take stock of your skills, values, purpose, and aspirations. We’ll consider how letting go of responsibility and doing more of what brings you joy might change your life and the way you choose to spend your time. 

Session 3 
12 November 10-11 online

In this session, we will share how we are managing our priorities and sustaining ourselves in key areas of our health: physically, emotionally and socially. What may be beneficial? How do we balance freedom from a schedule versus what may be healthy routines?

Session 4
5 February Face-to-face in Leicester

This will be a chance to connect in person to share the experiences of early retirement so far. Any new priorities? How are you managing expected vs unexpected feelings?

There will also be the chance to create ongoing and supportive personal networks to sustain the next stages of retirement.
 

This programme is suitable for senior leaders who have made the decision to retire in the summer or autumn term, 2025.