Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs) are outstanding middle and senior leaders, with at least two years’ leadership experience, who have the skills to support individuals or teams in particular subject areas and/or specialisms. SLEs are deployed into schools to develop the leadership capacity of individuals and teams that match their area of expertise.

Star Institute has designated SLEs with a range of expertise, including subject specialisms, CPD, curriculum, assessment, behaviour and safety, SEN, business and financial management and ITT. Our SLEs have a proven track record in their area of expertise and undertake training to ensure that the support they give is the best possible quality.

Deployments are tailor-made to meet the needs of the supported school, but typically the SLE’s work includes:

  • Audits
  • Data analysis
  • Coaching or mentoring support
  • Facilitating and training
  • Joint action planning

To browse our SLE profiles, please click here.

Working with you

Brokering SLE support is a two way process.  We work with you to identify why support is needed and how it can be best deployed.

Models and types of deployments will vary. One deployment could be a one to two day diagnostic exercise, whilst another might require significant in-school support. The cost of the SLE deployment will be determined by a number of factors including the need, length and focus of any agreed work.

Before an SLE is deployed, we will agree a Support Plan which sets out the area of focus, agreed timescales of the deployment, costs and impact measures.

All SLEs deployed from Star Institute will be monitored for the quality of the support they provide. They will be expected to be able to evidence that their work has had a positive impact using a range of indicators including examination results, learner progress, reduction in in-school variation and the improved quality of teaching and learning.

We will liaise closely with you to ensure all agreed outcomes at the start of the deployment have been achieved and your school has moved forward as a result.

If you would like more information in regards to SLE support available, please email us at info@starinstitute.org.uk or call 0330 313 9139.

KEY INFORMATION