Aspiring Heads (AH) is a leadership development organisation rooted in racial equity, education and social change. We primarily support Black and Global Majority educators to grow as confident, values-led leaders who can influence schools, systems and the lives of young people.

We exist because leadership in education still does not reflect the communities it serves, and too many educators are left without the support, confidence or permission to lead meaningfully on race, identity, belonging and systemic change. We believe schools are among the most powerful environments shaping young people’s lives, and that diverse, racially literate leadership is essential to creating more inclusive and just educational spaces.

We work through leadership programmes, coaching, learning resources, community, events and reflective spaces that support both professional and personal growth. Our approach builds racial literacy, critical consciousness, inclusive practice and leadership confidence, while creating a strong network where educators are affirmed, challenged and supported.

Our impact is seen in educators who are better prepared to step into leadership, shape school culture, influence decision-making and challenge the norms that reproduce exclusion. Through this work, we contribute to more representative leadership, more inclusive schools, and stronger conditions for young people to experience belonging, dignity and possibility.

Aspiring Heads’ work has been recognised through the Fair Education Alliance Innovation Award, which we won in 2021 for our leadership programme addressing racial disparities in senior education leadership.

Since then, our CEO, Nadine Bernard, has continued to develop this work through writing, research and sector influence. Her book, Your Leadership Matters: Empowering Educators of the Global Majority and Allies, builds on the principles at the heart of AH, offering practical encouragement and insight for Global Majority educators and allies committed to transforming leadership.

AH has also contributed to national research, with Nadine serving on the advisory group for NFER’s 2025 report, Ethnic disparities in entry to teacher training, teacher retention and progression to leadership.