Training and consultancy
NASS is a registered charity supporting and promoting the work of small schools across the UK.
Training
At NASS, we offer a wide range of training and events designed specifically for individuals working in and with small schools. From informal network meetings to full-scale Headteacher conferences, our programs are built to meet your needs and inspire leadership at every level.
We’re continually expanding our training options, working closely with trusted partners in the education sector to bring you even more valuable opportunities and resources.
Small schools face unique challenges, and we understand that effective leadership is key to their success. Partnering with NASS means having an advocate who has walked in your shoes and is here to support your school at every step. Together, we empower leaders, strengthen schools, and create thriving communities.
Upcoming events
NASS runs a regular half-termly program of network meetings that provide a safe space for small school leaders to collaborate, share best practices, and concerns. Network meetings are open to all NASS members, or those working in member schools. A Zoom link is emailed to all our members in advance. Join us on one of the dates below to connect with like-minded colleagues from small schools.
Dates to follow
Networks and special interest groups
Our special interest groups help those involved with the work of small schools to find support and reflection with like-minded professionals. They ensure our members’ views are heard and help shape NASS’s future work.
Research special interest group
Exploring the unique strengths of small schools
NASS has a proud history of promoting and engaging with research that explores the unique aspects of small schools. Over the years, our trustees - past and present - have contributed to a wide range of projects and publications. We’ve also curated a substantial archive of articles and opinion pieces, reflecting decades of thought leadership and advocacy for small schools.
In our early years research, efforts focused on building evidence to support campaigns against threats to individual small schools and their viability as an educational model. Today, our research spans a broader range of topics, including:
- Mixed-age teaching
- Pupil attainment in disadvantaged groups
- Voluntary and community engagement
- Leadership in small school settings
- Comparative studies on small schools around the world
The NASS Research SIG (Special Interest Group) is a small group of NASS members who are all passionate about research and small schools. The group comprises academics, education advisers, headteachers, and postgraduate students. It meets six times a year on Zoom, with a spotlight on a particular research paper as a key talking point in each meeting.
No specific experience or qualifications are required, so if you would like to join the group, do get in touch! The convenor is Gillian Seymour.