Elevating Education with the Power of Coaching: Fiona’s Story

As the Deputy Head Academic at St. Benedict’s School in West London, Fiona Allen is at the forefront of shaping the quality of teaching and learning. She is responsible for not only ensuring that teaching in the classroom meets the highest standards but also for enabling students to learn in the most effective ways possible. Leading a team of 25 heads of department, Fiona drives professional development, research into effective pedagogy, and innovative teaching methods.

With a diploma in psychology and a master’s degree in occupational psychology, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her experience spans consultancy work and her practice as an occupational psychologist, where she honed her skills in leadership development, team coaching, and one-on-one coaching. This solid grounding gave her a deep appreciation for the transformative benefits of coaching, both for the coachee and the coach.

Upon returning to the educational field, Fiona reconnected with her passion for coaching, continuing her professional development through various coaching courses. After participating in a course with Kim Wells and inviting him to St. Benedict’s for a staff workshop, she was inspired to join the Coaching Skills for Teachers and Educators course.

Reflecting on the course, Fiona shares, “The structure of the course, with gaps between each of the three days, was ideal. It wasn’t too demanding, and there was a lot of flexibility in meeting you where you were in terms of your prior knowledge, experience, and skills. The course not only validated my existing coaching skills but also helped refine them.”

Fiona has integrated a coaching approach into her daily interactions with students, helping them overcome challenges with motivation and discipline. Her coaching skills have also proven invaluable in parent meetings, where she uses them as a powerful tool for problem-solving, exploring options, and finding solutions. Additionally, Fiona has adopted coaching as a leadership style with her team, finding it incredibly powerful for fostering individual growth and self-awareness. “Coaching is an incredibly powerful tool for personal development and self-discovery,” she notes.

When asked about the Coaching Skills for Teachers and Educators course, Fiona is unequivocal in her praise: “I would 100% recommend it. You gain so much, not only in terms of becoming a more effective coach but also in terms of self-awareness and how you view the world. You’re not just practicing coaching skills; you’re also becoming more aware of your own biases. It’s not just about following a framework or a process; it’s about understanding that you, as a human being, are the medium through which the coaching model is applied. The course helps you recognize your intrinsic biases and how they play out in your role as a coach. That’s the real value it offers.”