Leadership Scholarship programme case study: Natalie Parkin
How has taking part in the Leadership Scholarship Programme shaped or transformed your development as a leader?
Participating in the Leadership Scholarship Programme has significantly boosted my confidence, particularly in my own knowledge and leadership abilities. Through engaging conversations with experienced leaders, I’ve felt empowered to advocate for Religious Studies and to stand my ground in important discussions. Sharing and reflecting on the work I’ve done developing our new curriculum model has been invaluable, reinvigorating my passion and expertise in RS. Historically, my focus has been on Personal Development, as this is not my specialism, meaning RS sometimes lacked my focus. This programme has given me the confidence, skills, and vision to lead RS more effectively, ensuring it grows under my guidance.
What impact has the programme had on your practice, your school or organisation, or the wider religion and worldviews education community?
The Leadership Scholarship Programme has helped me develop a clear vision and plan for a new RS curriculum designed to embed religious literacy and engage both staff and students across our large trust. Although the curriculum is still being embedded, early feedback has been positive, with staff and heads of department feeling invigorated and hopeful for strong GCSE uptake. RS is beginning to be treated with greater respect and equality, supported by its inclusion as a humanities subject following the Curriculum and Assessment Review. Beyond my school, the programme has enabled me to connect with peers across the RS community, visit other MATs, and share best practice, helping me raise my professional profile and contribute to the wider subject community.
What did you find most valuable about the programme?
The most valuable aspect of the Leadership Scholarship Programme has been having a safe space to discuss challenges with leaders who understand and value RS, where I can be open and honest. It has allowed me to reflect on and refine our curriculum, update my subject and pedagogical knowledge, and gain insights from other contexts. I feel more empowered to advocate for RS and defend the curriculum I’ve developed, understanding the thinking behind it. The programme has strengthened my strategic thinking across schools, taught me to filter criticism effectively, and helped me revisit areas of passion while discovering new ones. It has also deepened my understanding of curriculum connections, knowledge progression, and effective pedagogical planning.
Where has your journey taken you since completing the programme, and how has it helped you take the next step in your career?
Although the programme only finished last summer, it has already had a significant impact on my work and future plans. It has helped me develop and refine our RS curriculum, ensuring it is engaging, coherent, and builds religious literacy effectively. Through meaningful discussions with fellow leaders, I have explored the place of RS in schools, leadership challenges, and strategic thinking. The programme has also allowed me to connect with influential figures in the RS community, expanding my professional network. Most importantly, it has strengthened my confidence and empowered me to advocate for RS and lead strategically, providing a strong foundation to continue developing the subject locally and more widely.
Why do you think people should apply to the Leadership Scholarship Programme?
I would encourage anyone to apply because the programme offers a unique opportunity to connect with the RS community and engage with scholarship and research that you might not usually have time to explore. It provides a supportive network of peers in similar roles, helping reduce professional isolation and offering a space to discuss challenges openly. The programme acts as a sounding board for ideas and problems, allowing you to reflect on your practice and gain fresh perspectives. Most importantly, it builds confidence, empowering you to advocate for RS, defend your curriculum, and make strategic decisions with assurance, enhancing both your leadership and the impact you can have in your school and the wider community.