Course Outline
Created by Orange Moon Training in conjunction with National Society for Education and Futura Learning Partnership, this programme is for people who are already leading in schools, or who are just stepping into a middle leadership role. That might be at department level or an equivalent post where you manage people, contribute to leadership conversations and are able to put change into practice.
The course is built around the five domains of flourishing developed by the National Society for Education (NSE): Purpose, Relationships, Learning, Resources and Wellbeing. These domains give a practical way of thinking about leadership that reflects the reality of school life, not just the theory.
Rather than focusing only on systems, processes and targets, the programme looks at how leadership actually feels and functions day to day. It supports leaders to make good decisions, build strong teams, manage pressure and sustain their own practice over time. That balance matters if improvement is going to last.
The programme meets all the requirements of the Level 5 apprenticeship, but it is designed to feel relevant and useful in your role, not like a box-ticking exercise.
Future Leaders – Role Profile
Future leaders in schools usually hold a mix of operational and project responsibilities. They manage people, keep things running smoothly and help move the school forward.
In practice, that means setting clear expectations, supporting colleagues, managing workloads and resources, and contributing to wider improvement work. In smaller settings, it often also means getting involved in bigger strategic priorities and helping to turn plans into action.
Through the flourishing leadership approach developed by National Society for Education, this role is about more than managing tasks. Future leaders are expected to:
Keep a clear sense of purpose, even when priorities compete
Build positive, professional relationships with staff, pupils, families and partners
Support learning and development across teams, including their own
Use time, people and budgets responsibly and thoughtfully
Pay attention to wellbeing, knowing that how you lead affects how others experience work
Day to day, future leaders work closely with colleagues across the school and with external partners such as parents, funding bodies and support services. They are accountable for developing others, managing projects, solving problems and contributing to a culture where people can do their best work.
Most future leaders work within agreed budgets and structures and report to senior leaders. They are trusted to make decisions within their area and to influence others through clear thinking, good judgement and professional relationships.oRANGE
Sector
Education – Leadership
Funding Options
Apprenticeships must be paid for by the employer. We will manage this.
Qualification Level
5
Delivery Model
Blended – classroom, workbased and online
Typical Work Hours and Off the Job Hours
25 working hours and above.
418 off the job hours are required to meet the apprenticeship standard and will take place during your contracted working hours. It includes a mix of e-learning, practical training, webinars and face-to-face training sessions.
Course Duration
21 months plus up to 5 months for the end point assessment.
Link to overall specification
Delivery locations
East Midlands, North West, Yorkshire & the Humber, London, South West.
Further career opportunities
Roles to include but not limited to Area Manager and regional Manager. Progress to senior leadership with the L7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship.
Course Information
How is the course delivered and assessed?
The programme is delivered through a blended approach, combining structured learning with practical application in your school.
This includes:
- Live online sessions and workshops linked to the five domains of flourishing
- Observation of your leadership practice in school by an Orange Moon Training tutor
- One-to-one support from a tutor and mentor to help you apply learning in your role
- Guided self-study and written assignments linked directly to your setting
- A school-based improvement project, developed over time and supported throughout the programme
Assessment happens throughout the course and is based on evidence from your day-to-day work. This includes written work, observations, project evidence and reflective activity, all built into a portfolio.
The programme ends with an End Point Assessment, which includes a professional discussion and presentation of your school-based project.
Funding eligibility and entry requirements
- Must be employed
- Must be aged 18 or over, there is no upper age limit.
- British citizen or resident in the UK for at least 3yrs with the right to work
- Must be in a senior role
- It is preferable that the learner has already achieve GCSE grade 4 / 5 in both English and Maths, if not, then to start the course they must have already achieved Level 1 in both English and Maths.
Course completion
All course work and practical observations as set by the tutor must be completed
To complete the learner will need to pass an external “end point assessment”
Apprentices without English at level 2 and Maths at Level 2 at the start of the programme must achieve these prior to taking the End Point Assessment. These qualifications will be delivered as part of the apprenticeship programme if required.
The course will be graded pass or distinction
The learner will be awarded the following certificates of completion of the course
- Apprenticeship certificate from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Qualifications.
- Functional Skills in Maths and English both at level 2 if they have not already achieved these at GCSE
