Remarkable Women
A funded leadership programme helping women step confidently into headship, alongside a community of ambitious women leaders.
Applications reopen this month and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Developing women in school leadership
Remarkable Women is a leadership development programme for aspiring and early-career headteachers in Teach First partner schools.
Built on over 20 years of Teach First’s experience in developing school leaders, the programme is designed to help aspiring women leaders overcome barriers, build confidence and take the next step towards headship.
Through in-depth workshops, peer coaching and practical school-based work, this programme helps participants grow as confident, purposeful leaders who can drive meaningful change.
Interested for yourself or a colleague?
Applications will reopen this month and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
At a glance
Duration
February – June 2027
Format
Online and two in-person events
Fees
Funded
(travel costs not included; financial support may be available on request)
What the programme offers
How it works
Remarkable Women equips you to take on the unique challenges of headship in schools facing the greatest disadvantage.
Bringing women leaders together, you will reflect, grow and support each other – helping you lead more effectively and with greater fulfilment.
1
Three workshops
Immersive sessions to develop your leadership, with the first and third delivered in person (the first in Manchester and the third in London), and the second delivered online over two half-day sessions. The celebration event will be part of the third in-person workshop.
2
Three fireside chats
Inspiring online conversations with experienced leaders.
3
Fieldwork
Apply your learning in your school.
4
Peer coaching circles
Small-group sessions for sharing and support.
Remarkable Women is designed to sit alongside formal leadership development such as NPQ. By the end of the programme, you'll have the skills, confidence and network to take your next step with clarity.
Applications will reopen this month and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
You're surrounded by inspiring women asking the same question — how far can I go without compromising my own goals?
Why join Remarkable Women?
During the programme, participants will:
- Build confidence to take the next step towards headship
- Learn from experienced school leaders
- Join a network of like-minded women leaders
- Develop strategies for leading through challenge and change
- Gain practical tools that can be applied immediately in school
- Explore leadership while staying true to their values and personal commitments
You’ll join a Women’s Leadership Network and stay connected to a wider community of women leaders for ongoing long-term support and learning.
100%
of respondents were satisfied with the programme.
Source: Remarkable Women programme evaluation, 2026.
89%
felt confident to apply for their next role.
Source: Remarkable Women programme evaluation, 2026.
What the programme gave me most was clarity and confidence in who I am as a leader.
Where could it take you?
Our participants go on to:
- Progress towards headship roles
- Progress into senior leadership positions
- Build stronger leadership confidence
- Expand their professional networks
- Lead change in schools serving disadvantaged communities
Remarkable Women helps you move forward with confidence.
Who can apply
The programme is open to women working in Teach First partner schools who meet the following criteria.
1
Aspire to become a headteacher within the next 12 months
2
Are new to headship and currently in their first year in post
3
Have a strong drive to learn, grow and lead in their school communities
We are committed to building a cohort that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
We strongly encourage nominations from women who are underrepresented in school leadership – including women who are disabled, from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+, or from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Interested in joining Remarkable Women 2027?
Applications will reopen this month and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Have a question? We're happy to help — contact us.