I've had coaching from a colleague/manager - is this the same?

Many schools have great coaching programmes. Often however, 'coaching' can mean different things.

An important feature of my coaching is that my role is not to give you advice, feedback, or action points. The power of coaching comes from you generating these for yourself, with my support.

Another key feature is that our coaching is confidential and I am not part of the school community; this helps to create a safe space for genuine open exploration.

Do I need a clear goal to start coaching?

Having goals to work towards is a key part of coaching. However, I often work with clients to clarify, refine, and prioritise what their goals for the coaching are so it isn't a problem if you feel unsure about your goal.

Coaching Basics

How do I know if coaching is right for me?

I believe that everyone can benefit from coaching - though I am biased! The trick is to make sure you have the right coach, at the right time, focussing on the right goal. To explore this together, book a free intro call.

What is 'leadership coaching' and is it different from 'executive coaching'?

In my leadership coaching, I am primarily supporting clients to overcome challenges or achieve objectives related to their leadership roles. I draw upon my own experiences and research around leadership to guide my questioning and lenses for this coaching.

'Executive coaching' is a label some coaches use to signal who their clients are. I prefer 'leadership coaching' as my mission is to improve education by working with a range of leaders: from those who are new to their roles or feel that they are struggling, through to those who are highly experienced and accomplished.

How often will we meet, how many sessions, and for how long?

My coaching is structured around your needs rather than any pre-designed model. We will discuss your goals, and your capacity to reflect and act upon the coaching between sessions - which is where the real change happens - and come up with a bespoke package.

For some clients, this is an opportunity once a half term to reflect back and plan ahead. For others, it's a fortnightly session to support rapid development or help break through barriers.

To have a sustaiable impact, I advise a minimum of 6 initial sessions. Sessions usually last 50 minutes.

To discuss the right package for you, book a free intro call.

Is the coaching online or in person?

Most of my coaching is online. I am available for in-person coaching on request, if practical.

Practicalities

How much does coaching cost?

Fees are dependent on the bespoke package of coaching, and can be discussed on our free intro call. I have a limited number of slots at a reduced fee for self-funding individual clients.

Is coaching confidential?

Yes, with some exceptions around safeguarding and criminality that will be outlined in our agreement.

Are you accredited and does this matter?

I have met the training requirements for ACC accreditation with the International Coaching Federation and I am building up my coaching portfolio to gain this accreditation. I follow the ICF's Code of Ethics.

You do not need to be accredited or trained to provide coaching, but having this extra level of assurance and commitment to standards is important to me as a professional.

Fit and Ethics

Can I talk to you before committing?

Absolutely. In fact, I would not take on a client without first doing so; it is crucial that you have met me and decided I am the right coach for you before committing. You can book a free half hour intro call here.

How does ADHD coaching differ from leadership coaching? Can I do both?

All the key principles behind my coaching are the same, whether it's leadership coaching or ADHD coaching (or a blend of the two).

For ADHD coaching I use a more structured approach to the frequency and number of sessions. I bring an ADHD 'lens' to my coaching, and at the start of the series of sessions we will explore this lens to ensure a shared understanding.

Working with neurodivergent school leaders is a particular passion of mine, and we would put together a bespoke package depending on your needs.

Do I need a formal diagnosis for ADHD coaching?

In short, no. If you experience challenges with your executive functioning, book a free intro call and we can discuss whether and how ADHD coaching could help you.

ADHD Coaching

How is ADHD coaching different from therapy or mentoring?

ADHD coaching is future-focused and practical. It helps you understand how your brain works, build on your strengths, and create approaches that work for you.

It’s not therapy — we don’t focus on diagnosis or the past, although we may touch on the past to inform ways forward. And it’s not mentoring — I won’t give you advice, but I’ll help you find your own answers, with support and structure that fits your life and goals.