* Places are limited to a maximum of 24 participants and booking is offered on a first come first served basis.

** This programme combines effective planning for disadvantaged pupils in primary and secondary phases. Alternatively, you may be interested in the programme for secondary schools only which commences in September 2026.

"The programme has been some of the best CPD I've had in years, and I've had a lot! I've already implemented many of the strategies we have talked about." (Participant, 2025)

The programme will support effective planning for disadvantaged pupils in primary and secondary schools.

The programme begins by looking at evidence-based research, showing how to measure the impact of strategies and consider what is working well in your own setting and how this might be improved. 
Marc Rowland will share his expertise to teach and empower participants, also presenting on social isolation and focusing on what strong leadership of school culture and expectations could look like as a key in unlocking better outcomes.

Focus on government policy
A new addition to the programme is detailed focus by ASCL's Tiff Harris on recent government policy with time frames, and implications for schools and school leadership on disadvantage inclusion, including the Curriculum and Assessment Review, the Schools White Paper, and the new Ofsted inspection framework. Tiff will support this leadership journey by helping delegates to plan for changes to come. 

Meaningful participation is vital for improved outcomes and this programme offers not only a face-to-face session at ASCL HQ but two additional online sessions, the final one underpinned by a strong and useful evaluation and gap task to strengthen strategic planning moving forward.

​This programme will be delivered for ASCL by Marc Rowland. Marc has published numerous articles and books on addressing educational disadvantage. He has carried out a number of area-based studies focused on improving educational disadvantage and has helped over a thousand schools. Marc has provided support to the DfE on the use and impact of the pupil premium grant and led the introduction of Jersey pupil premium.

As part of the programme, you have the opportunity for Marc Rowland to support you in reviewing and improving your PP strategy document. As this is outlined on page 45 of the white paper, we have included this as a key part of the programme to help school leaders get ahead and prepare early for policy changes ahead.

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