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ETF Leading Forward: Executive Development for Future CEO's 26/27

  • Commercial Leadership
  • 114261

Be ready as a senior leader for the next step in your career to CEO.  Prepare for the realities of CEO leadership by strengthening strategic judgement, whole‑organisation perspective and executive confidence and be able to step up with readiness while increasing impact today.

Who is this for?

This programme is for:

  • Individuals who are experienced senior leaders who are aspiring to 
    become CEO’s, Principals, or equivalent organisational 
    leaders.
    • This includes Deputy CEO's, Deputy Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Executive Directors, and other senior leaders preparing to make the transition into executive leadership.
  • Those who have a named sponsor within their organisation 
  • Individuals who desire to progress into a CEO role within the next 2-5 years.

Programme structure

Throughout this development programme, participants will be part of:

  • An online programme launch - 120 minutes
  • 1st Immersive residential - two nights, across three days
  • Two inter-residential group coaching sessions - 90 minutes each
  • 2nd Immersive residential - two nights, across three days
  • Post-residential group development session - 120 minutes
  • Two small-group development sessions - 90 minutes per session

What will you gain?

CORE LEARNINGS

Develop the mindset, expectations and strategic orientation required for stepping into CEO, Principal or Accounting Officer roles.

Strengthen judgement across finance, quality, culture, risk and governance, leading through others under scrutiny and uncertainty.

Build confidence making high‑stakes decisions through simulations, real CEO dilemmas and boardroom‑level scenarios.

Gain grounded understanding of FE leadership realities through direct input from experienced CEOs, Chairs and sector leaders.

Develop composure, confidence and personal leadership needed to guide organisations through challenge, scrutiny and change.

Strengthen ability to lead organisational transformation, financial sustainability, culture, partnerships and long‑term success.

Build understanding of sector dynamics, external accountability and the wider system forces shaping executive decision‑making.

Form lasting relationships with fellow senior leaders and CEOs, a professional network that supports ongoing learning and collaboration.

Book places now

View all available cohorts, dates and booking deadlines below. Simply click the relevant date and follow the instructions to book a place for you and/or your team.

Please note that there is no more than two delegates per organisation allowed on each cohort. If you require an invoice for any payment please contact enquiries@etfoundation.co.uk with your request.

October 2026 cohort

Starts: 20 October 2026

Booking deadline: 13 October 2026

Talk to the our team

If you have any questions or want to talk to us in more detail about your requirements or suitability for this program, please complete the short form below and we'll contact you.

Need more support with your booking?

If you have any other questions regarding payment or booking, please contact:

T: 0800 0831 830 
E: enquiries@etfoundation.co.uk

Or if you want to talk to us more about your organisation's needs or can't see a suitable date, please fill in our short form and a member of the team will be in touch.

Complete this short form