2026 Equity Leadership Courses

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The University of Exeter is one of the UK’s leading universities and is committed to creating a fairer world through its work in promoting evidence-informed policy and practice.

A member of the Russell Group and host of the South-West Social Mobility Commission, it brings unique expertise in tackling educational disadvantage.

Leading Educational Equity: From Principles to Practice

In a time of growing inequities inside and outside the school gates, school leaders are seeking new ways to improve outcomes for pupils from under-resourced backgrounds.

This new professional learning course is designed by the UK’s first Professor of Social Mobility, Lee Elliot Major OBE, alongside Anne-Marie Sim and Beth Brooks, co-authors of the Equity Scorecard.

Key Features

Participants will:

• Explore the foundations of equitable leadership in education
• Refine and present equity strategies tailored to their context, with peer and expert feedback
• Consider school visits to provide peer feedback on equity practices
• Use the Equity Scorecard to identify areas for development and plan targeted action
• Learn from real-world equity case studies of schools already leading the way
• Develop an actionable Equity Leadership Plan to take forward change

This course is ideal for those ready to move from equity intent to implementation. Delegates will reflect on the specific barriers in their contexts and forge inclusive approaches and networks rooted in real experience and robust research. 

2026 Spring Cohort

• Course fee: £980 per participant

• Dates: Autumn 2026

• Format: Two in-person days with a task in between

• Location: University of Exeter

• Capacity: Max. 20 delegates

• Certification: Certificate in Leading for Equity in Education (University of Exeter)

Who Should Apply

• Senior and middle leaders in primary or secondary schools

• Multi-Academy Trust executives and inclusion leads

• Education professionals focused on equity, inclusion, and systemic change

No prior academic training in equity is required—just a commitment to presenting and refining equity leadership strategies.