The Inclusive Leadership Course

The Difference believes that Whole-School Inclusion is all staff supporting the learning, wellbeing and safety needs of all children, so that they belong, achieve and thrive

We support school leaders across the county to understand and implement practice and systems in their schools; improving outcomes for all children

This is the most comprehensive, current, and effective professional development programme for leaders of inclusion.

Once every half term, leaders join a regional cohort for a day of in-person networking, practice sharing, learning, and strategic input. They solve problems, exchange effective practices, and join a community focused on addressing current challenges around whole-school inclusion. In total, there are six in-person meetings.

Our content defines the language of inclusion and provides practical examples. We share powerful implementation tools, and all the resources needed to deliver whole-school CPD

The course covers key areas schools currently prioritise:

• Principles and frameworks for whole-school inclusion
• Trauma-informed practice
• Bias-informed and asset-based practice
• Contextual safeguarding
• Community voice
• Restorative practice
• Developing internal alternative provisions

After 12 months of the Inclusive Leadership Course:

– 100% of schools report new developments and impact related to ILC learning

– 80% reduced internal and external exclusion

– 82% report improved de-escalation of incidents

– 100% of participants led CPD to share course content with school and MAT staff

Habib Hussein is Deputy Headteacher of Lyft Schools

Habib sets out his school’s journey to significantly reduce exclusions and suspensions by implementing learning from the Inclusive Leadership Course.

Where are we delivering the Inclusive Leadership Course?

Our cohorts meet in-person, once per half term across an academic year.

For the academic year 2025/2026, there will be cohorts based in or close to Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Norwich, Manchester, Newcastle, Northampton and Plymouth. There will also be an online cohort of the course.

The Difference can run bespoke cohorts specifically for Local Authorities and Multi-Academy Trusts

Ready to sign-up for a place on the next course? We look forward to meeting you

If you would like to speak to a member of The Difference team to discuss the course, costings or multi-place discounts please contact ilcpartnerships@the-difference.com.

If you would like to find out more about the course, please join one of our regular webinars