West100: an indicative calendar
The year at a glance
This is how the current West100 year is running. The year starting in September 2027 will follow the same pattern, with dates confirmed before it begins.
Each dot is a day out of school: 11 across the year, plus three online evening sessions and around 15 hours of reading, videos and reflection each term.
Autumn term
Establishing relational cultures
Relationships with self, with others and with place: how trust, belonging and shared purpose are built, and the foundations of a strong cohort.
- 233 days
Opening residential
Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th September
Higher Wiscombe, East Devon
Three days to build trust, shared purpose and a common language for the year.
- 183 days
Autumn study tour
Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th November
London
Visits to some of the strongest schools in the country, with time to make sense of them together.
- 3Evenings
Online sessions
Three evening sessions this term, 7:30 to 9pm
Webinars with leading voices in education, and regional workshops with your cohort.
Spring term
Developing great teachers
The core work of schools: how great teachers are developed, supported and kept, and the leadership conditions that make it possible.
- 32 days
Spring study tour
Wednesday 3rd to Thursday 4th March
Birmingham
- 241 day
Conference
Wednesday 24th March
Venue to be confirmed
- 3Evenings
Online sessions
Three evening sessions this term, 7:30 to 9pm
Webinars with leading voices in education, and regional workshops with your cohort.
Summer term
Creating cultures of excellence
How vision, systems, routines and relationships work together across a whole school, and how leaders build for the long term.
- 12 days
Closing residential and regional school visits
Thursday 1st to Friday 2nd July
Bristol
From insight to sustained leadership action.
- 3Evenings
Online sessions
Three evening sessions this term, 7:30 to 9pm
Webinars with leading voices in education, and regional workshops with your cohort.
How to join in September 2027
The selection process is designed to be rigorous, supportive and developmental. Everyone who takes part receives feedback.
- ApplicationOpen now. Closes Friday 26th February 2027A short form: your career so far, and three reflective questions about your motivation, your experience of closing disadvantage gaps and what would most help your next step into headship.
- AssessmentAfter applications closeThe West100 team reviews applications, looking for alignment, potential, reflection and readiness, not polished answers.
- Selection dayThursday 29th April 2027, Marlwood SchoolIndividual and group activities, conversations about leadership judgement, and time to decide whether the programme is right for you.
- InductionSummer term 2027A 90-minute welcome webinar to meet your cohort, set expectations and plan the year with your school or trust.
Good to know
Cost
£3,500 for secondary leaders, £2,500 for special and alternative provision, and £1,500 for primary. This covers delivery, travel for visits outside the region, and accommodation and meals on residentials. Most participants are sponsored by their school or trust. If cost is a barrier, please get in touch.
Nights away
Around seven across the year, on residentials and study tours, all planned well in advance.
Accreditation
The West100 is not an accredited qualification. It complements formal routes such as the NPQH, and many participants take it before, alongside or after one.
Adjustments
We are happy to talk about reasonable adjustments. Get in touch.
Dates shown are from the 2026/27 programme and are indicative only.