Leading a Cultural Shift at Abingdon School with Coaching: Ronnie’s Story

As the Deputy Head Educational Development at Abingdon School in Oxfordshire, Ronnie Reading has seen her role evolve significantly over the past eight years. What began with a focus on teaching and learning has expanded into a broader mission: shaping the organizational climate, enhancing staff engagement, and leading comprehensive training initiatives.

Despite having received professional coaching through various organizations, and practicing some techniques herself, Ronnie felt that something was missing. She craved a deeper, more structured understanding of coaching—one that would elevate her skills and allow her to become a truly impactful coach. This desire led her to enroll in the Coaching Skills for Teachers and Educators course.

Reflecting on the transformative experience, Ronnie shares, “Integrating the learning into my school and my role has been really exciting. We’re continuing with a coaching culture, but I’ve been able to take what I’ve been learning and do some training with the whole school.”

Since completing the course, Ronnie has noticed a significant shift in how coaching conversations are received and engaged with, now that she is recognized as a qualified coach. This new dynamic is crucial as Abingdon School undergoes a historic transformation—from 700 years as an all-boys institution to a co-educational environment. Ronnie is at the forefront of this change, leading efforts in culture, staff engagement, and training. She believes that coaching is vital to navigating this transition, offering a safe space for staff to address uncertainties and concerns.

“If we’re going to support our staff, regardless of their background, and give them time for coaching, it says a lot about the culture of our school. It communicates that ‘we believe in you.’ In education, there’s so little time to reflect and just be. Having an organization that prioritizes coaching shows we’re committed to who you are and how you are,” Ronnie explains.

Excited about the future, Ronnie is now offering coaching conversations as part of the benefits package for new teaching and support staff, building on the existing coaching practices at the school. “Finding solutions to your own problems is incredibly empowering. The outcomes are far more impactful when you take ownership of them,” she says.

When asked about the Coaching Skills for Teachers and Educators course, Ronnie’s enthusiasm is palpable: “I think what I loved about it is it’s really to the point. It’s framed really well. It’s well organized. You know what you’re getting. And I felt complete confidence in both Tracy and Kim’s delivery and in their experience, knowledge and their own training. So I felt that I was getting something from the best. And that was validated from some of the things that they talked about, but also their experiences and qualifications from the International Coaching Federation. There was a real rigor about the framework and a sense of accountability.”

Coach Advancement’s Coaching Skills for Teachers and Educators is a coaching skills training course developed specifically for teachers and educators. It goes deeper than a quick one or two day’s training, but isn’t as time and resource intensive as a full accredited coaching education programme.

This course consists of a one-hour virtual kickoff session, followed by three face-to-face days spaced out in 4-6 week intervals. This not only accommodates educators’ busy schedules, but also gives an opportunity for you to put into practice what you’ve learned.