NAHT Women's Network

“A safe space to discuss the issues affecting women leaders – and work together to tackle them.”

NAHT’s Women’s Network gives members a space where they can feel they belong, access support from peers and experts, and have a stronger voice in shaping NAHT’s work and the future of the profession.

Whether you’re new to leadership, an experienced leader, or a retired member, the network provides a supportive space to connect with colleagues who understand the realities of leadership in education.

Why join?

The network offers opportunities to:

• Connect with women leaders from across the profession.
• Share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges
• Hear from leading experts, campaigners and thought leaders
• Contribute to discussions that help inform NAHT’s work
• Build professional confidence and networks
• Explore practical solutions to issues affecting women at work.

Most importantly, it ensures that women members have a strong voice within NAHT and across the wider education sector.

What are we talking about?

The network discusses issues that matter to women working in education leadership today, including:

• Women in leadership and career progression
• Flexible and family-friendly working
• Gender equality in the workplace including pay
• Menopause and women’s health
• Harassment, discrimination and psychological safety
• Leadership confidence and visibility.

Topics are shaped by members, ensuring discussions remain relevant to the experiences and priorities of women leaders across the profession.

Network in action

In 2026, network members represented NAHT at the TUC Women’s Conference, ensuring the voices and experiences of women school leaders were represented in national trade union discussions on workplace equality.

Meetings for 2026-27

Join the network to be informed about upcoming meetings and how to take part.

Virtual meeting dates:

• Tuesday 24 November 2026, from 5pm to 6pm – Building our collective voice. Join us for an informal and supportive women’s network discussion focused on building connections, sharing experiences and strengthening our collective voice.
• Thursday 11 February 2027, from 4pm to 5pm – Creating workplaces that work for women. From flexible working and workplace culture to leadership progression and allyship, join Penny East, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, for an engaging discussion on what it takes to build workplaces where women can succeed and lead with confidence
• Wednesday 24 March 2027, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm
• Tuesday 25 May 2027, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

Joining the network

Membership of the network is open to all women members, across all roles, phases and sectors, including those who may have retired from the profession. If you would like to join the network, please complete this form.