Skip to main content Sitemap Help Copyright Feedback Accessibility

Training and Development Agency for Schools
Advanced search

CPD in practice: Pleckgate High School

Pleckgate High School: making continuing professional development more popular and efficient

Interviewee:  Carol Sourbuts

Pleckgate High School reformed its internal continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities and procedures. This resulted in more efficient procedures and a renewed enthusiasm for CPD among staff.

The mathematics and computing college in Blackburn, Lancashire, has 1190 students aged 11-16. The CPD Leader, Carol Sourbuts, decided that the school should undertake a wide-ranging review which included the school’s CPD policy, surveys of staff, performance management procedures, time allocations, school improvement plans, training for middle managers and assessing the effectiveness of the CPD. 

What the school learnt

The school found that the process of overhauling CPD raised the profile of CPD and rekindled staff interest in it. A team approach involving heads of departments also helped to generate enthusiasm and led to well-founded decision-making about the reforms. And the new Tuesday twilight sessions on CPD have revealed that the school has pools of talented trainers among both teachers and support staff.