Coaching

Within PACE Academy Trust we have a number of staff trained in coaching. Coaching is a powerful tool that supports personal and professional growth.  It is completely confidential and personalised to the individual and their needs. ​

Our coaches are available to work with people across educational settings, both inside and outside of our trust,  and at different stages of the leadership journey.  Coaching sessions are offered as one-off sessions or as part of a package. If you would like to explore this possibility please get in touch.

Meet our Coaches

Zoe

Zoe Harris

“Creating space to think, challenge and grow.”

As a reflective practitioner with over 20 years’ leadership experience as a Headteacher, Executive Leader and now CEO, I am deeply committed to the power of coaching. I see coaching as an essential part of the leadership journey, supporting individuals to realise their full potential both professionally and personally. I have coached many leaders and value the insight gained from working with professionals across diverse roles and contexts.

I am an accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and am currently working towards the ILM Level 7 qualification in Coaching Supervision, with the aim of supporting other coaches through high-quality supervision.

In each coaching session, I create a safe, confidential space for reflection, enabling you to explore challenges, opportunities and priorities. My approach is grounded in integrity, professional challenge, objectivity and protected time to think, supporting you to identify purposeful and sustainable next steps.

Coaching sessions can be delivered virtually or face to face at a time and location that suits you. While I am based in Croydon, I am happy to travel across London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how coaching might support your leadership journey and look forward to hearing from you.  Please email zoe.harris@paceacademytrust.com  or contact  01737553255

Click on the link below to see more information:

LLSE Profile - Executive Coaches

Zoe
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Pete Steward

Headteacher at New Valley Primary School

I have been a teacher for over 30 years and a school leader for nearly 20, but every day is still a learning day.  I love working with children and the adults who teach them, helping them all on their journeys to being the very best they can be.  And I am a passionate believer in the power of coaching to support those journeys.

The best teaching encourages children and young people to question and to think for themselves…and coaching is no different.  In my coaching sessions, I won’t give you the answers, but I will help you to find them.  And remember that the agenda in our coaching will belong to you.  Coaching will provide a safe environment in which to talk and think about the challenges and opportunities you face, professionally and personally.

Coaching sessions can take place virtually or face to face at a time and location that works for you.

Email: head@newvalley.paceacademy.uk 

 
Pete
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Jo Grinter

Coaching is time for you to really focus on an issue that you want to resolve, to progress or simply explore. I can help you by listening, asking you questions and supporting you to reflect on the insights that lie within you.

Please get in touch if you would like to talk about how coaching could help you.

Jo Grinter is the Chief Operating Officer at PACE Academy Trust. Email: jo.grinter@paceacademytrust.com

Jo
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Hayley Lewis

With nearly 20 years' experience in various roles within education I have always been and continue to grow as a reflective practitioner. Throughout my career, I've been dedicated to continuous improvement, both in my teaching and in supporting others. My journey in education has shaped my belief in the power of coaching to unlock potential and drive change. As a Level 5 accredited coach, I’m committed to creating a coaching environment that is both nurturing and challenging, where you can explore your thoughts, set goals, and develop strategies to achieve them. My coaching sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs, whether you are looking to refine your leadership skills, navigate complex challenges, or simply find a better balance in your personal and professional life. I believe in the importance of reflective practice, and my coaching is rooted in helping you gain deeper insights into your own strengths and areas for growth. Together, we’ll work towards empowering you to take confident steps in your journey.

Hayley is Headteacher at Beecholme Primary School

Email: Hayley.Lewis@beecholme.paceacademy.uk

Hayley

Testimonials

I am very thankful for the coaching I received, for the astute and insightful understanding of the issues and challenges I bring to sessions, combined with real skill at throwing me questions to elicit thinking I didn’t always even know I had started to develop. She is wise, thoughtful and experienced, able to curb excesses in understandable reactions to challenges I am grappling with, enabling me to find solutions to them without risking my integrity. I have faced some genuinely big dilemmas for my school in the time I have worked with her, and I can absolutely state that my stickability and bravery in myself as a leader were specifically and lastingly enhanced by the work I did with her as my coach. I would recommend her to anyone, without hesitation.

Kathryn L Marshall
Headteacher, Noadswood SAT

The coaching I received has played a significant role in my leadership journey, from support during my NPQH to guidance through headship and beyond. The perfect balance of challenge and support helped me gain clarity, confidence and perspective. The coaching has had a lasting impact on my development, and I would highly recommend this support to any school leader.

Nadira Rahman
Principal – Sherborne Qatar School for Girls

"Coaching has given me a safe space, where, through Zoe’s careful questioning and challenge, I have been able to focus in on the real issues requiring attention at my school.  My coach, and the process more generally, has enabled me to identify areas of personal growth, develop self-belief and the confidence to make positive changes that will affect change. For me coaching has been invaluable."

Headteacher,  Sutton

Coaching has been of great benefit in defining goals to work on that are personal to me. The sessions have provided a safe place to talk through issues, the barriers to achieving my goals and also my successes. I have grown in confidence when having to face difficult conversations and it has helped me to gain perspective and improve my self-awareness and performance. Coaching has provided the tools to solve problems, helped me communicate more effectively and has supported me to see things from other people’s perspective.

Through probing and sometimes challenging questions, it has encouraged me to find my own answers and solutions, helping me to think more about my core values.

Coaching has made it possible for me to develop a greater understanding of myself and of others which has, in turn, helped to build stronger team relationships.

I whole heartedly support the value of coaching for professional development.  

Assistant Headteacher, Croydon

Ready to find out more?

Email us for an informal discussion!

 info@paceacademytrust.com