The early stages of Headship are exciting and challenging in equal measure.
KALE is committed to ensuring that all new Headteachers are supported at this time by their peers. We do this through a welcome event, offering peer mentoring and sign-posting to coaching.
New Headteachers Welcome
KALE holds an annual welcome for new Headteachers. This is an opportunity to meet colleagues from KALE, find out more about opportunities to gain support and to connect with others. It is hosted on the same morning as the KCC welcome to make it easier to attend.
The 2026 event will take place on 2nd October at The Mercure Hotel, Hollingbourne. New Headteachers will receive a personal invitation but if yours is 'lost in the post', please contact sylvina.clemons@kale-connect.org.uk
New Headteacher Network Sessions
KALE understands the exciting opportunities to shape the future of your school when moving into headship, but also understand how challenging this can be and sadly at times, feel lonely. What's important to remember is that you're not alone.
To support you in your leadership journey, KALE are delighted to invite you to join a number of online New Headteacher Network Sessions — a dedicated space for collaboration, sharing experiences and learning with peers across Kent.
- Dates for 2026/27 will be published soon
As a busy headteacher, we understand that time is precious, therefore sessions are held online and scheduled at times that work around the demands of school life. You can attend from the comfort of your office or home, saving time on travel and enabling you to participate no matter where you're based.
If you’re interested in joining these sessions, please register by completing this short form. You will then be contacted by the KALE Business Support Administrator who will forward the calendar invitations.
We would like to encourage all new headteachers to attend each session to allow you to build on previous discussions, deepen connections and grow your knowledge base.
If you have any questions, please contact info@kale-connect.org.uk.
KCC New Headteacher Induction
A Headteacher Induction Programme. We would encourage you to join this valuable induction and networking opportunity. Please find information attached from the programme coordinator along with booking details. Note that the year-long programme is cyclical, and you can join at any point in the academic year.
New Headteachers will receive a personal invitation from KCC but if yours is 'lost in the post', please contact wendy.dunmill@kent.gov.uk
Mentoring
KALE works to ensure that all new Headteachers have access to a mentor if they choose to. All mentors are serving Headteachers, chosen for their experience. We work in partnership with KCC to identify mentors for Headteachers of maintained schools and we liaise directly with academies to offer a mentor.
If you would like us to help you find a mentor, please contact info@kale-connect.org.uk
Local Networks
You can find information about local networks here.
A good connection to make is with your local KALE representative who will be able to let you know about local networks for Headteachers. You can find their details here