Now in its fourth year, and refined each year based on delegate feedback, this one-day course provides essential knowledge, skills and resources to all those in the secondary sector who have responsibility to construct or manage their institution's timetable. It looks at the key components of a successful timetable construction process and how these are put together to fully harness available resources and maximise student progress and outcomes.
It does not seek to focus on any one single construction method or piece of timetable software but provides delegates with a broad vision of what is possible within both the art and science of timetable construction, tailored to their specific context.
Delegates are asked to bring some of their current 2026-27 timetable data and planning for the 2027-28 academic year. There will also be some optional pre-course work. Details will be provided with joining instructions.
Why is it needed?
A poorly constructed timetable can undermine even the best curriculum intentions, wasting staffing capacity, limiting student choice and creating avoidable pressure points throughout the year. With budgets tight and staff recruitment increasingly difficult, schools and colleges cannot afford to leave timetable construction to guesswork or rely solely on default software settings. This course equips delegates with the broad vision and practical understanding needed to make confident, well-informed decisions, rather than promoting a single method or software package.
Additional bespoke support:
If you are unable to attend one of our face-to-face days, ASCL Professional Development also offer bespoke Timetable Construction Support through our Consultancy service.