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

Co-Headship
Join us for this one-hour session where we will explore different models for co-headship and how co-heads make their case at interview for flexible working. We will 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 will be presented to examine the opportunities and potential challenges of this model of school leadership.
Teachers, School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustee
06/02/25
10:00
Online
Book course
‘It won’t work here’ – practical tips for timetablers
During this one-hour 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. There will be an opportunity to pose any questions to our panel. This session will be helpful for school leaders and timetablers. However, anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to attend.
School leaders and timetablers
29/01/25
10:00
Online
Book course
Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (North of England)
Join us for an engaging two-hour workshop dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools. 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. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to connect and build support networks with other schools and trusts in the North of England region.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
23/01/25
10:00
Online
Book course
Embracing flexible working - specialist workshop (high disadvantage)
Join us for an engaging two-hour workshop dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools. 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. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to connect and build support networks with schools and trusts working within similar settings.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
16/01/25
14:00
Online
Book course
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.
View
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
View
Supporting progression with flex
In this session we explore how flexible working works with senior leadership roles in schools – with career progression. We will look at how drawing on your previous skills and experience can support your application for flexible working, as well as alternative approaches to progression and case studies of ‘Now Teachers’ in promoted posts.
This session will particularly support career-changer teachers who want both flexibility and additional responsibilities/leadership roles. It will also be helpful to those wanting to explore what career progression looks like for career-changers who don’t want to be in senior leadership roles. Anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to watch.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Teachers
View
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
View

Supporting resources

URL
Lighthouse School - Flexible working journey
15/11/24
A short video from Emma Sullivan, Principal at Lighthouse School on their flexible working journey. Please note - Independent financial advice from a specialist in public service pensions should be sought by any individual considering changing their contracted hours of work.
URL
Flexible Teacher Talent Website
15/11/24
Link to Flexible Teacher Talent website with further information and resources
URL
The Athelstan Trust - Case Studies
15/11/24
Link to The Athelstan Trust website with featured case studies.
URL
Find your flex website
15/11/24
Link to further resources from Find Your Flex
PDF
Teaching Vacancies blog - 'Flexible friendly' schools
07/11/24
A blog from Teaching Vacancies - 'Over half of teachers are more likely to apply for a job in a 'flexible friendly' school.'
URL
Embracing flexible working in schools and academies - podcast
20/09/24
In this episode One Education: Rethinking Education are joined by Matt Perry, Headteacher of the Halifax Academy, which is a flexible working ambassador school. Matt talks about flexible working in education.
URL
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...
PDF
Case study - Mentorship and well-being: Kevin's impactful phased retirement
17/07/24
Case study - Kevin is a dedicated mathematics teacher at Thomas Gainsborough School who embarked on a phased retirement using flexible working arrangements.
PDF
Case study - From maternity leave to leadership: Flo's story of flexibility
17/07/24
Case study - Flo is someone who transitioned from maternity leave to various roles within the education sector and provides valuable insights into the type of roles that can work flexibly.
PDF
Case study - Balancing act: the success of flexible working for a head of geography
17/07/24
Case study - Fiona Sheriff, the Head of Geography at Kingsthorpe College in Northampton, is a strong advocate for flexible working.
PDF
Flexible Working Legislation FAQs
26/03/24
PDF
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.
URL
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.
DOCX
Action planning template (New flex legislation - are you ready?)
08/02/24
An action planning template to accompany 'New flex legislation - are you ready?'.
URL
Case Study - Flexible working in schools: Headteacher jobshare (DfE YouTube)
30/08/23
Alison Fitch and Rebecca Stacey are co-heads at Boxgrove Primary School in Surrey. Hear from them on why their school has embraced flexible working and how their job share has positively impacted themselves, their pupils and their school community. Department for Education - YouTube video
URL
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.