School improvement support from anywhere in the UK

​

Finding the right partner to work with is too important to limit your search to the local area.  Whilst often in the West Yorkshire region, I work with colleagues remotely allowing you to be based anywhere and receive the support you need.   By not always travelling to physical sites, I can provide more responsive, flexible support for schools.   Coaching, regular meetings, involvement in projects, providing support for teams and individuals are all possible.  I'm just a few clicks away. The schools I work with appreciate being able to tap into my wide-ranging skills and knowledge throughout the year, and benefit from an ongoing relationship.  

​

Having been a school improvement consultant for the past 9 years and previously working as an adviser for Leeds Local Authority School Improvement services, I understand the challenges of school improvement.   I have been a Chair of Governors for a large primary school and have experience of working closely with headteachers, including being an external consultant for headteacher performance management.  I can accommodate both short term and long term projects.  My skills at developing relationships between leaders across schools make me an ideal partner for MAT and family of schools leadership development projects.

​

I have a genuine passion for my job; it brings me great satisfaction to witness the growth and development of my colleagues as they evolve into effective leaders. Observing the positive and transformative impact they have within their schools is both inspiring and rewarding. Additionally, one of the most gratifying aspects of my role is celebrating the well-deserved successes of the schools I work with. It is a privilege to be part of their achievements and to share in the joy of their accomplishments.

​

Areas of school improvement expertise:

• Supporting schools in their journey of improvement;

• Senior and middle leadership training;

• Coaching, leadership conversations & on-going leadership support;

• Curriculum - leadership for intent, implementation & impact;

• Improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils;

• Developing teaching and learning;

• Seeking to remove barriers to academic progress;

• Growth mindsets & metacognition.

​

Experience:

• 25 years of expertise and knowledge of schools & education;

• Leadership posts in schools and a large local authority;

• Substantial experience in designing and delivering training;

• Experience of headteacher performance management;

• Over 10 years of school improvement experience;

• Training, co-ordination, support and quality assurance of Specialist Leaders of Education & ASTs;

• Leading & quality assuring city-wide networks.

• Chair of Governor experience for a large primary school.

Quality of service:

Confidence in the person providing external support is paramount.  I work with passion and integrity, but don't just take my word for the quality of support I provide.  Hear from people just like you who have used my services:

​

"Vicky is an excellent trainer and has worked with us at Allerton CE Primary, for several years; both in developing individual leaders but also the work outlined here. Truly exceptional in tailoring to our school, my vision and also the staff rather than just being generic. Love her!“  Helen Stott, Headteacher, Allerton CE primary

 

"Working with Vicky Crane on all areas of school improvement is a dream. Bespoke packages backed up with up to date thinking and research means that schools can be at the forefront to drive positive outcomes for their children. Vicky’s style is a combination of information sharing, enquiry based questions and a coaching model that provides both challenge and support to all leaders and staff in school. I thoroughly enjoy working with Vicky, it supports and challenges me to be a proactive leader." Rupa Barson, Headteacher, Churwell Primary.

​

"Thank you for being so generous in your support.  I have been inspired and energised to keep going.  Truly a well timed and informative session that I can practically put into practice for IMPACT.”  DHT.  "I loved this training and found it really beneficial."  DHT- Catalyst Programme.

​

“The training was brilliantly constructed.  One of the best courses I have attended in years.  I wanted to be challenged and provoked, but also given some new ideas to work with and the day achieved all of this.” Headteacher

​

"The course has widened my knowledge base in a number of areas including creating visions, setting goals, reflecting on goals, planning and delivering meetings, communication and having difficult conversations.  One area in which my knowledge has improved greatly is self leadership and the importance of effective reflection time using various strategies."  Middle leader following small group & 1:1 sessions. 

​

"Vicky is warm and engaging and I felt comfortable from the start.  A safe space for discussion.  A really positive climate in which anything could be shared."  Phase leader group and 1:1 sessions.

​

“Every session has been immensely useful.” 

“A very thought provoking and useful day.” 

“Vicky is a fantastic trainer – very inspirational and knowledgeable.”

“Excellent.  Completely engaged throughout.” 

“I know staff are finding the training incredibly useful.”

​

Primary school improvement partner

School improvement is challenging.  Accessing external support can make all the difference.  This can be a mix of coaching, professional dialogue, and training for leaders and teachers.  It can be short-term support or a programme that spans one or more years.  Enjoy an ongoing relationship for school improvement services.

​

Let me share my knowledge with you.  Ask questions, explore possible solutions, leverage research and work out a strategy that is right for your school.

​