This prestigious award celebrates institutions that actively invest in coaching as a tool for both academic and pastoral development. The school has seen a growing interest in using coaching as a means to support academic progress, student resilience, and personal growth, aligning with broader trends observed in educational coaching initiatives.
Last June, Ana Henderson, Head of Classics at KES and Start with Heart Facilitator with Graydin, led an impactful two-day Anatomy coaching course for staff. The training introduced practical coaching strategies that empower educators to enhance their interactions with students and staff. Since the training, staff have shown great enthusiasm and curiosity, demonstrating a strong commitment to further developing their coaching skills. Many have embraced “being more coach-like”, embedding active listening, open-ended questioning, and empowerment strategies into their daily interactions with students. As one staff member reflected, “This training has transformed my conversations with students. I feel I’m not just giving advice, but really listening – helping them to unlock their own potential. It’s been one of the most valuable professional development experiences I’ve had.”
Receiving the Graydin Seed Award marks a significant milestone in King Edward’s School’s journey to embed coaching into its culture. As the school continues to explore ways to integrate coaching further, this recognition affirms its commitment to equipping staff with tools that not only support students academically but also nurture confidence, motivation, and wellbeing.
