PLGs
PLG Term One - Auckland: Leading Self
PLG Term Two - Online: Leading Others
PLG Term Two - Online: Leading Change
The ASPIRING LEADERS (not Principals) Academy is a personalised leadership programme designed for Curriculum Leaders, Team Leaders, Deans, SENCOs, LSCs and those currently leading teams within the education sector; who aspire to accelerate their career through professional coaching and their own leadership capabilities.
We are finding that the standardised, cookie-cutter approach [OSFA] to professional development is failing. Less and less is it able to meet the diverse professional learning needs of teachers and leaders. Thus, we have pioneered an adaptive and individualised approach aptly named: Personalised Leadership Pathways (PLP) for each delegate using a combined development platform that focuses on the interpersonal, leadership and professional dynamics associated with a senior leadership position within the education sector.
The programme is delivered over two terms – 1-2 (ensuring minimal disruption), it combines vibrant PLG seminars, online learning and networking, and personalised contact with an dedicated kaiārahi/coach. Participants explore their own strengths, weaknesses and opportunities and how they relate to leadership goals and day-to-day realities within their individual school context.
A key component of the course is the highly interactive online forum which allows participants to share their journey with like-minded educational leaders across the country. This process is enhanced through participant-generated kōrero that unlocks the existing skills and experience within the group. In addition to delivering vibrant professional development, the programme sets out to create powerful, lifelong networks.
Why have an Aspiring Leaders Academy?
Growth Culture received feedback following the years of nationwide leadership PLD which uncovered a significant need for a high performing leadership programme that enables high potential education leaders to engage in an intensive, peer-oriented leadership development experience. Whilst mostly deputy and assistant principals have applied, the course is also open to high performing HODs and Team Leaders wanting to further their career progression.
The Aspiring Leaders Academy is based upon a framework that focuses on the interpersonal, leadership and professional development of self and how this relates to their role within their school. The Aspiring Leaders Academy has a broad focus on educational leadership. Noteworthy, leading SELF | OTHERS | CHANGE.
Delegates must have the full support of their school principal to undertake the programme and lead change appropriate to their school’s values.
In addition to enabling real outcomes for individual leaders, the Aspiring Leaders Academy is recognised as a unique and innovative programme that contributes in a meaningful way to the realisation of equity in relation to formal educational leadership.
The Aspiring Leaders Academy is designed to develop leadership focused on improving student learning outcomes in schools.
Aspiring Leaders Academy is facilitated by a team of experienced kaiārahi who are all current or former school leaders and Principals, including some of New Zealand’s most distinguished tumuaki.
The programme also includes:
PLG Term One - Auckland: Leading Self
PLG Term Two - Online: Leading Others
PLG Term Two - Online: Leading Change
6 modules, delivered as 2 korero per term on our personalised forum which provides an on-going Aspiring Academy professional learning community:
Term 1: Leading Self / Others / Change
- Self Care, Self-awareness and EQ
- Leadership Vision
- Stakeholder Relationships
Term 2: Leading Self / Others / Change
- Data-Driven Leadership
- Effective Communication
- Navigating Challenging Conversations and Conflict Resolution
Supplemented by:
- Career development support with the guidance of the kaiārahi.
2 x Mentoring sessions from your own Aspiring kaiārahi (online or face-to-face if possible).
"Legacy" by James Kerr.
"Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown.
E-modules are delivered as 3 korero per term in Terms 1-2 on our personalised forum which provides an on-going Aspiring Leaders professional learning community.
Leading Self (Tau 1):
Leading Others (Tau 2):
Generally, each kōrero involves a 150 word reflection on a leadership element. Delegates are also encouraged to comment on and provide feedback to team members’ responses to further deepen the kōrero and their own thoughts.
Delegates are also offered career development support and are partnered with a fellow delegate for peer support.
$2,497 per person
$10,000 for 5 people from the same school
*prices are GST exclusive
NB: Participants’ transportation and/or accommodation costs to PLGs are self-funded and are not included in course fees.
Applications are currently open for cohorts starting in February 2027 (ECE, Primary, Intermediate, and Secondary).
Aspiring Leaders Academy is currently not a Ministry of Education funded project, although Growth Culture for a long time has been a distinguished Ministry of Education Professional Learning and Development provider.
Payment and Refund Policy: Once your deposit has been received your position on the Aspiring Academy has been secured. We are unable to refund either the deposit or remove the obligation to make the final payment. This is due to the costs incurred with venue bookings, Kaiarahi employment and the fact that the Aspiring Academy will sell out meaning we have turned other delegates away. We are able to transfer your registration to another delegate who qualifies within your school before the 31 December 2026.
info@gcla.co.nz
027 560 9600
Principal/Director