Leadership Development

Coaching in Leadership

An extended, immersive experience of coaching as a way of leading, for leaders who want to make a lasting difference.

Schools are complex, human-intensive organisations.

The quality of relationships and conversations within them shapes everything, from teacher wellbeing and professional growth to the learning and life outcomes of students.

Coaching in Leadership is built on this understanding.

It is a practical, evidence-based course that develops a coaching approach as a way of leading: intentional, empowering and impactful.

This is not simply a course about coaching skills.

It is about developing a whole approach to leadership, one grounded in relational trust, genuine curiosity about others and the conviction that better conversations lead to better outcomes for everyone in a school community.

Designed for current and aspiring leaders in educational settings, Coaching in Leadership offers an extended cohort learning experience across three phases.

About

Coaching in Leadership is a practical evidence-based course providing in-depth learning and experience of the application of coaching approaches as a highly effective way of leading in schools and other education settings. Coaching in Leadership is fundamentally about how to best support and grow the capacity, motivation and wellbeing of others through more intentional conversations that lead to better relationships and, ultimately, better outcomes for students.

Designed specifically for current and aspiring leaders in educational settings, this course offers an extended cohort learning experience aligned with internationally recognized coaching and mentoring credentials.

An applied course

Since this is an applied course, participants will ideally be working in a position of leadership or responsibility in an education setting.

You may choose to enroll in this course as a way of getting started in developing a coaching approach to leadership, or you may choose to undertake this course as a way of extending and deepening your knowledge and skills in coaching in the context of leadership.

What you will gain

A deep, practical understanding of coaching as a way of leading in educational settings
The skills and confidence to lead a full range of learning conversations, from informal corridor exchanges to formal performance and development discussions
A people-centred leadership approach that builds relational trust, empowers colleagues and supports student outcomes
A concrete plan for developing a coaching culture in your school or system

Structure

Phase 1
Leading Through Conversations - Developing Key Coaching Skills
12 hours of interactive workshop learning
This phase will provide a balance of theory and practical application, including significant modelling of coaching practice. Participants will have numerous opportunities to practise in a highly supportive environment. Specifically, we will address the following topics:
- Schools as complex relational systems and the role of school leaders in these settings
- Coaching as a way of leading through complexity and the theoretical underpinnings of this
- Mapping learning conversations, exploring the conversational contexts of a leader
- Applying the three elements of effective coaching in leadership contexts:
- A conversational framework
- Key coaching skills
- A coaching way of being
Phase 2
Applying and Reflecting in Context
12 hours of independent learning and workplace application
Flexible independent learning phase:
- Approximately 3 months between Phase 1 and Phase 3
- Guided reflection and further resources on course Learning Management System (LMS)
- Scaffolded paired participant practice and reflection
- Logged workplace application of coaching and coaching approaches
- Reflective Journal, insights from practice activities and workplace application
- Interaction and reflection with other participants via course LMS
- Additional theoretical perspectives plus forum discussion and/or reflective entries via course LMS
- Course text readings
- Optional check-in webinar
Phase 3
Embedding Coaching in Leadership
12 hours of interactive workshop learning
Phase 3 focuses on applying coaching skills and a coaching way of being across a broader range of conversational contexts and discerning the appropriate stance to take in these contexts. Specifically, we will address the following topics:
- Less formal conversation contexts such as:
- In the moment ‘have you got a minute’ conversations (corridor conversations)
- Leader-initiated feedback conversations (affirming, learning and concern-based)
- More formal conversation contexts such as:
- Performance and Development Conversations
- Working with Teams and Groups
- Ethical boundaries, contracting and leader power and status
- Leading a Coaching Culture
- Planning for implementation
- Coaching for implementation

Learning design

At GCI, we believe that we act our way into learning rather than learn our way into acting.

Research-informed, Practitioner-focused

With this principle in mind, all of our courses have a strong emphasis on practice.

GCI courses are designed by educators for educators with a commitment to interactive and engaging learning experiences delivered by skilled facilitators with extensive experience in education.

A Learning Design to Enable Praxis

When we are engaged in praxis we are reflecting in action, taking what we are learning and applying it in real-life situations. Our in-person courses enable praxis through a ‘coaching approach’ to facilitation combined with a range of thoughtfully designed adult learning experiences including:

The spaced learning design of the Coaching in Leadership course consisting of live interactive workshops complemented by self-paced modules (Phase 2) on our Learning Management System (LMS) provides the opportunity for participants to apply skills and techniques in their workplace.

individual and group reflection activities
co-operative learning tasks
practise opportunities using real workplace scenarios
modelling
observation and feedback
debrief sessions

Mode of Delivery

This course is designed as an extended cohort experience over 3-4 months.

Phase 1 and Phase 3 each consist of two in-person workshop days. These can be successfully delivered remotely via Zoom if required.

Phase 2 is an independent learning phase requiring you to undertake some learning activities remotely with assigned partners from the cohort, engage in further reading and online viewing via our LMS, and log and reflect on a prescribed number of hours of coaching in your workplace.

All Phase 2 activities must be undertaken before attending Phase 3.

From participants on this course

What participants say

would recommend this course

rated the course content Very Good or Excellent

Where participants plan to use their learning

Develop leadership ability and support others92.3%

Improve professional practice and colleagues’ practice81.3%

Improve communication with parents, community and peers51.8%

Enhance student achievement and wellbeing46.6%

Based on GCI Coaching in Leadership post-course surveys, 2024 to 2026. Percentages reflect valid responses to each question; multiple selections were allowed where applicable.

In their words

“Recognising the impact I can have with coaching and the moments when it is useful/opportunities to use it”
David ThomasHumanities Leader, Elisabeth Murdoch College, VIC
“A deeper understanding of how a coaching approach can be used to effectively impact and enhance my work and relationships.”
Rosemary PericMaster Teacher, Sydney Catholic Schools Central Office, NSW
“I loved the balance of theory and practice. There were lots of moments to really reflect on my own practice and opportunities to have those 'aha' moments. A good amount of time also to practise our coaching skills. The program was very well designed.”
Diana DominisMortdale Public School, NSW
“It was very hands on. We had opportunities to discuss and be part of the learning experiences. I learnt so much because I had to do it in the moment. The content was great.”
Nadia AndersenHurstville Public School, NSW
“The delivery and the practice opportunities throughout the course. The relevance and its ability to be transferable and applicable to any/all situations.”
Sandy RobertsonTeacher, Shore School, NSW
“Thank you for the time and effort you have invested. It was such a worthwhile course for me to do on this journey that I am on, and I am already hearing how differently I am responding to people I work with.”
Leonie HegartyLeading Teacher, Tarneit Rise Primary School, VIC
“An amazing opportunity that I believe will be a game changer for me as a leader”
Kristi CromerSchool Improvement Leader, Clonard College, VIC
“Such an energising and valuable course which struck the perfect balance between theory and practice. I enjoyed the facilitator's engaging delivery, and it was interesting to be part of the conversation about how the course could be refined for the next lucky cohort.”
Rachel DukeMaster Teacher, Sydney Catholic Schools Central Office, NSW
“Support, resources, hands on learning, pushed out of my comfort zone but in a safe and supportive way”
Megan BoydDean of Students, Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar, VIC
“Practical strategies to incorporate coaching into my leadership to better lead, nurture and grow my team”
Kirsten HodgsonDeputy Principal (Professional Practice), Saint Monica's College, VIC
“To invest in the moment and see every conversation as an opportunity to listen, to notice and empower”
Emma TownsendDeputy Principal, Robert Townson High School, NSW
“The amount of practical tasks and time to work with a range of peers in developing these skills. Penny also made the learning very accessible, it felt achievable and helped make our group feel comfortable.”
Angie ChristoforouAssistant Principal, Peakhurst South PS, NSW
“Andrew made the course content accessible to all participants allowing for powerful interactions and practical learning experiences.”
Chris GoversEducator, NSW
“Jan was a brilliant presenter and is incredibly knowledgeable and relatable. She was able to effectively provide us with the tools to use within our coaching back at school. The partner coaching and practice sessions were so incredibly valuable to be able to hone in on our skills.”
Rhiannon CocoTeacher - Professional Growth, Sacred Heart School, VIC
“The humanised learning and context based activities. There were so many incredible lightbulb moments. You have designed an exemplary course that truly does amplify our lives on both the professional and personal fronts.”
Tarryn AbrahamDirector of Learning, MacKillop College, Werribee, VIC
“The collaborative approach with fellow participants and the opportunity to practice the model between sessions. Also being able to see how I can readily put this into action back at school”
Diane WilsonPrincipal, GRC Peakhurst, NSW
“Content extremely relevant and applicable. It has given me skills to effectively help others achieve their goals in a positive way.”
Alison MilnerAssistant Principal, Carlton Public School, NSW
“Andrew you have certainly helped me achieve a heightened understanding of coaching this year and enabled me to facilitate quality coaching conversations with my team. Thank you.”
Jacqueline GenoveseHead of School 9-12, St Luke’s Catholic College, NSW
“Thanks so much, Andrew. You did and outstanding job of guiding us through the program, bringing your rich and deep knowledge, expertise and skill, while maintaining warmth, humility and care.”
Adam LearLeadership Consultant, Association of Independent Schools, NSW, NSW
“Jan, you are an amazing facilitator. Thank you for your energy, deep knowledge and humor and most importantly getting our group focussed on the learning. The first Pd I have enjoyed for a long time.”
Lorraine SandersonTeam Leader Early Childhood Performance & Planning, Department of Education, VIC
“Absolutely loved working with you both Chris and Dan. I have truly enjoyed all aspects of learning, collaborating and talking!! Working together, supporting each other to grow in this space has been life changing.”
Fiona DawsonPrincipal Advisor, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, VIC
“Penny is a fabulous facilitator with deep knowledge and presents in an engaging way - one of the most valuable PL Sessions I’ve been to in 33 years!”
Alison MilnerAssistant Principal, Carlton Public School, NSW
“Thank-you for your knowledge, guidance and support. Your sessions were informative, engaging and incredibly helpful. You united our Senior Leadership Group and have provided us the tools to affect positive change in our community.”
Nicole MeadeCampus Director (Davisson Street Campus), St Monica's College Epping, VIC

Our facilitators

Regardless of the mode of delivery, our courses are expertly facilitated by skilled and experienced professionals. As a coaching organisation, we endeavour to model a ‘coaching way of being’ in our interactions with our clients by being:

Respectful
Humble
Curious
Strengths-focused
Reflective

We encourage a culture of high expectations through our commitment to the ongoing development of our people based on mutual respect and collaboration. Our consultants are expert coach practitioners who draw on a wealth of educational experience to provide the highest level of service as coaches and trainers.

Meet the GCI team

Certification

A GCI Certificate of Completion (36 hours of professional learning)
The GCI Coaching in Leadership Trained Leader digital badge
A pathway to individual industry credentials with international coaching and mentoring bodies

Before you register

Important Points to Consider: The cohort learning experience is an important aspect of this course.
It is essential that intending participants are able to attend Phase 1 and Phase 3 workshops with the same cohort. Please ensure that you are able to do this prior to completing your registration.
In exceptional circumstances when participants have completed Phases 1 and need to change cohort groups for Phases 2 and 3, it will be necessary for them to redo Phase 1 with another cohort. A transfer fee of $400 plus GST will be applicable.

Fees and what is included

Phases 1-3 $2250 + GST

This price is for an individual registering on an open-enrolment course.

Savings are available for organisations who wish to run this course for an in-house group.

Please email info@growthcoaching.com.au to request a quote or discuss this further.

Dates and pricing

Australian prices exclude GST.

PerthPhase 1: 13 to 14 May 2027 08:30 - 16:00 · Phase 2: Independent learning (Independent learning) · Phase 3: 12 to 13 August 2027 08:30 - 16:002 x 2-day workshopsRegister

Running this course for your own group

Ask about Coaching in Leadership in-house

Register your interest

If you would like to explore offering this course to your own group, or would like to be notified when new dates are announced, please complete the form below. A member of the GCI team will be in touch.