From crisis to opportunity: The role of inclusive coaching in struggling schools

Abstract

This paper sheds light on the substantial challenges faced by schools today in the UK, especially in the aftermath of a negative school inspection report. Stigmatised and labelled as ‘faliing’ and with limited support, staff within these schools are often emotionally exhausted and professionally traumatised (Jeffrey & Woods, 1996), when they begin the arduous journey towards school improvement. A longitudinal study, implemented within a secondary school located in an economically and socially disadvantaged region of Wales, focuses on the outcomes of a school-wide talent development program, with a strong emphasis on coaching, made available to staff in all roles, from caretaking to leadership. Through the adoption of a data-driven, strategy-aligned, professional development programme, this paper describes how the internal talent of the whole school was harnessed and directed towards a transformative shift: one that took the school from an initial inspection assessment of ‘in significant need of improvement’ to a more favourable ‘satisfactory’ rating and beyond. Central to this programme was a coaching initiative aimed at bolstering staff self-efficacy, which over time resulted in significant improvements in staff wellbeing, team resilience and overall performance, benefiting both staff and students across the school. This study highlights the efficacy of an inclusive, school-wide approach to staff development, with coaching playing a pivotal role in driving positive change.