This article is based on guidance from the DfE's research on coaching, the 'Coaching to drive school improvement' course on The Key CPD, and our associate expert Gulshan Kayembe.
What is coaching?
Coaching is a process that can help your staff improve their performance in a particular area – for example, raising pupil engagement in the classroom or line managing more efficiently.
It:
- Is a way of changing behaviour
- Has a clear goal
- Focuses on the present situation, rather than on the distant past or future
- Can be about correcting problems
- Is suitable for professionals at all stages in their careers
Coaching is a more structured process than mentoring. Some of the key differences are:
| Mentoring | Coaching | |
| Format | Informal, 1-to-1 conversations | Structured, goal-oriented, using learning agreements |
| Role of school leaders | Hands off, supportive | Involved, organisational |
| Purpose | Sharing knowledge, mutual support and encouragement | Teaching and improvement |
Read more about how you can developing peer-to-peer mentoring.
What are the benefits of coaching?
Save your school money and allow for a more
