At Reading Girls' School, we have established a professional development framework built on a Culture of Coaching, where instructional coaching is not only the foundation but also a guiding philosophy. This culture empowers teachers to grow in a supportive, non-judgmental environment, fostering curiosity and excellence at all career stages. 

Our Professional Development Pyramid Structure 
Our pyramid model for professional  development is designed to provide comprehensive support, with instructional coaching at its base. This structure supports growth through a combination of individual, small-group, and whole-school opportunities: 

1. Instructional Coaching (Foundation): At the heart of our CPD is instructional coaching, which provides personalised guidance through structured sessions, small group interactions, and spontaneous "corridor conversations." This coaching helps teachers refine their practice through ongoing, constructive feedback. By cultivating a Culture of Coaching, we encourage continuous reflection and improvement. 

2. Whole-School Development: The second layer of our pyramid ensures that professional development aligns with the school’s overarching goals. This includes whole-school initiatives such as INSET days, twilight sessions, and collaborative workshops focused on behaviour management, assessment, and differentiation. 

3. Subject-Specific Development: At the next level, departments offer targeted training to keep teachers current with subject-specific pedagogy. Specialised workshops, masterclasses, and external training opportunities allow teachers to deepen their knowledge and skills within their fields. 

4. Research-Based Initiatives: At the top of the pyramid, we foster curiosity and innovation through research projects, book clubs, and discussion groups. Teachers explore the latest educational research and apply it to their classrooms, promoting a reflective, research-informed teaching culture. 

Tools and Models for a Culture of Coaching 

In our culture of coaching, we use Tom Sherrington’s Walkthrus as practical tools for classroom strategies and Andy Buck’s Basic Coaching Method to frame our coaching interactions. This combination supports reflective, goal-oriented professional growth. 

Louise Stoll captures the spirit of our approach: 

"Learning is a social process, and coaching conversations are a vital way to deepen our understanding and skills together." 

• Core Coaches: A team of Core Coaches, trained at Reading Girls' School, leads small-group coaching sessions that are central to our culture of coaching. These coaches facilitate peer observations, offer collaborative feedback, and support the ongoing professional growth of their colleagues. 

Expanding Our Culture of Coaching Across Reading 

Through our partnership with Brighter Futures on the Instructional Coaching Project 2024-25, we are extending our culture of coaching to the wider Reading Borough. This project is part of our commitment to sharing the benefits of a culture of coaching with the broader educational community. 

At Reading Girls' School, our Culture of Coaching is more than a strategy—it’s a way of life that drives our commitment to empowering teachers and enhancing educational excellence. Join us in a community where teachers are inspired to learn, grow, and thrive.