Flexible working support: a programme for Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools

Register Future courses and recordings Supporting resources Resources by theme

About the programme

Capita, funded by the Department for Education (DfE), are delivering a programme to promote flexible working practices in Multi-Academy Trusts and schools, which includes a series of free training and support webinars.

Webinar and resource topics will include, amongst others, implementing flexible working, best practice and case studies, diversity in the workforce and co‑leadership and job sharing.

Important changes from 6 April to flexible working legislation, login to find out more

Alongside our partner Flexible Teacher Talent, and in partnership with Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS), we are delivering a programme to support schools to adopt flexible working.

The programme will support school leaders to design flexible roles, adopt a proactive approach and navigate the challenges flexible working can pose in schools.

The programme will increase awareness of the benefits of flexible working and the full range of flexible working practices available, which can include part-time working, job sharing, home or remote working, phased retirement and personal/family days.

Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS) have been appointed by the DfE to provide bespoke peer support to school leaders to assist them to establish a culture of flexible working in their schools. 

Find out more

Future courses and recordings

The benefits of flexible working in alternative provision
Join us for this session where we will be exploring the benefits of flexible working for staff recruitment, retention and well-being especially when working in challenging environments.

This webinar will be particularly useful for school leaders, business/HR leaders and governors/trustees in alternative provision contexts, however anyone with an interest in this session is welcome to attend.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governers/Trustees in AP co
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Setting boundaries for effective flexible working
This session will focus on identifying areas of our flexible working lives where there may be a need to establish or strengthen boundaries. We will discuss strategies on setting and holding boundaries effectively. Our aim is to help you understand how effective boundary setting can support flexible working practices, wellbeing, workload and a sense of fulfilment in both personal and professional lives.
Colleagues planning to or currently working flexibly.
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Flexible working in conjunction with diversity, equity and inclusion
This webinar focuses on how flexible working can promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within schools. During the webinar we demonstrate how flexible working can help to recruit, retain, and develop teachers and leaders. We explore and challenge existing barriers to accessing flexible working arrangements and how different groups may be impacted by this e.g., those with a disability, carers, and parents, those reaching retirement age. There will be practical advice provided, including case studies, on how schools can use flexible working effectively and model inclusive workplace practices. Responsibilities under the Equality Act including PSED is also discussed.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
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Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (East of England)
This workshop is dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools in the East of England region. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices.


School/Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees - East of England
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‘It won’t work here’ – practical tips for timetablers
During this panel discussion we aim to help schools address timetabling barriers to flexible working. We will discuss when and how to factor flexible working in to timetabling processes. You will also hear about challenges that have been overcome and receive top tips for resolving timetabling issues you may encounter. This session will be helpful for school leaders and timetablers. However, anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to watch.
School leaders and timetablers
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Co-Headship
In this session we explore different models for co-headship and how co-heads make their case at interview for flexible working. We discuss how co-headship provides a collaborative partnership model which can help to make headship more desirable and sustainable for great leaders who we need to retain and promote. Case-studies are presented to examine the opportunities and potential challenges of this model of school leadership.
Teachers, School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustee
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Supporting resources

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Case study - A testament to implementing flexible working across a special school setting
27/02/25
The Grove, a special school for autistic pupils aged 5-19 in Tottenham, London, and part of the SEARCH Education Trust, has been at the forefront of implementing flexible working practices within the special school sector.
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Case study - Flexible working at Lighthouse School
16/01/25
Lighthouse School is a unique secondary school dedicated to providing high-quality, destination-led learning for students with a diagnosis of autism. Their commitment to excellence extends not only to their students but also to their staff, ensuring they have the support and flexibility they need to thrive.
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Case Study - The success of flexible working at New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust
16/01/25
At New Bridge MAT, a specialist Multi-Academy Trust with a number of special schools including SEMH schools, they have always strived to be an employer of choice. Their journey towards flexible working began when their CEO first engaged with the Flexible Working Ambassador programme.
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Flexible working: When the headteacher decided to flex
20/09/24
Do you believe that being a headteacher is an all-or-nothing position? Or can flexible working be effective for those in the top job? Neil Renton describes headteacher Mike Roper’s flexible working insights...
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FWAMS update - Harrogate Grammar School
07/08/24
In this short recording, Neil Renton and Julie Wellacott reflect on their journey of flexible working. Neil is an established Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, in North Yorkshire which is part of the Red Kite Learning Trust and Julie is the HR Partner for the Trust, they are also the appointed FWAMS for Yorkshire and Humberside area.
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Case study - Jessica's 4-day working week success
31/07/24
Jessica Theisinger is a Headteacher at Foxborough Primary School and she illustrates in this case study the power of flexible working.
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Case study - The transformative power of flexible working
17/07/24
Case study - Rebecca Churchman, an Assistant Headteacher at Priory Primary School in Dudley, has found flexible working to be a transformative solution.
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Thought piece - Flexible working: let’s jump through the looking glass
21/03/24
In 2019, more than a quarter of senior leaders said that flexible working requests had been declined in their schools and in the DfE's Working Lives of Teachers Survey, a minority of teachers and leaders (33%) agreed that flexible working was compatible with a career in teaching. Warren Carratt; CEO of Nexus Multi Academy Trust examines how flexible working in schools can meet the needs and expectations of pupils, parents, and school staff.
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Thought piece - Embracing flexible working at secondary level (SecEd blog)
18/02/24
A blog by Neil Renton (headteacher) discussing how his own mindset, regarding flexible working, has evolved.
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Action planning template (New flex legislation - are you ready?)
08/02/24
An action planning template to accompany 'New flex legislation - are you ready?'.
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Implementing job shares successfully
10/05/23
A headteacher has implemented job shares successfully at her primary school in Brockley.

Register for free access to live webinars, workshops, on demand training, resources and to send questions directly to our flexible working experts.

Register

Share your story

What flexible working initiatives have worked well in your school?

Useful links

Costs and benefits of flexible working

Guidance for flexible working in schools

Resources to support flexible working in schools

Share your story

What flexible working initiatives have worked well in your school?

Useful links

Costs and benefits of flexible working

Guidance for flexible working in schools

Resources to support flexible working in schools

This programme is funded by the Department for Education but this website should not be interpreted as Governmental policy. Please see here for Department for Education Policy.