TWO Somerset teaching alliances have joined together to encourage more women to take up leadership roles within schools.

In England, 36 per cent of headteachers at secondary schools are female. The Affinity Teaching Alliance, lead by The Castle School's headteacher Sarah Watson, is working in partnership with the Redstart Teaching Alliance, led by the Redstart Primary School in Chard.

The first in a series of Women in Leadership conferences was held at Dillington House at the beginning of the month.

Head teacher at The Castle in Taunton and lead of The Affinity Teaching Alliance Sarah Watson said: “Women are often put off applying for senior roles as they think that career breaks or working part-time hours may count against them. This new programme aims to foster support for female teachers in Somerset and Dorset and celebrate what we’ve already achieved.

“I strongly believe that no one should be overlooked because they work less hours or have taken a career-break. Our new programme with The Redstart Teaching Alliance will help every female teacher in Somerset and Dorset reach their full potential.”

The first session was attended by 30 delegates. It was used to introduce ideas and match teachers to mentors.

Tanya Gibbs, head of Year 10 at the Gyphon School in Sherbourne, said: “The Women in Leadership programme has given me the confidence to apply for roles in school which I may have been apprehensive about previously.

"Sarah Watson and Suzanne Flack are incredibly inspirational leaders and delivered a real insight on what to expect in a senior role, as well as allowing time for me to reflect on visions and values that I believe to be important within a secondary school.

"The communication between myself and my coach has also enabled me to take on projects at my current school in order to provide me the stepping stones needed to move forward in my career. The programme is exceptional and I am finding it an invaluable experience.”