In February 2025, Kate Pirie, Assistant Head at St John’s Catholic Specialist School, enrolled on the Thrive Wellbeing Leadership Apprenticeship. As a senior leader responsible for behaviour and attendance, Kate saw the apprenticeship as an opportunity to support the strategic rollout of Thrive across her setting while also enhancing her management and leadership skills.
Early reflections
A few months into the programme, Kate reflected on her experience of the apprenticeship so far. “I’m really enjoying the content and the range of learning opportunities,” she said. “The two elements of the course are very different, but I’m trying to entwine them as much as possible. My mentor, Amy, has helped me with this.”
“Because I’m on the SLT at school, the Operations Manager element of the apprenticeship is very relevant to my day-to-day role. I don’t need to ask for too much support because I’m already working at that level.”
Managing learning alongside existing responsibilities
While Kate acknowledged that the apprenticeship involves more work than she’d expected, she’s found it easy to manage alongside her usual responsibilities thanks to the support from her colleagues. “My school is very supportive. I work from home when I have online training so I’m not disturbed. I’m also fortunate to have a reduced timetable, which gives me more flexibility.”
Changes in culture and confidence
Already, Kate is seeing a tangible impact from applying her learning. “I use it all the time – it’s really given me a deeper level of thinking for some aspects of my role.
"I’m modelling Thrive skills all day, every day, and this is having an impact on the calmness of the school in general and therefore positively impacting behaviour and learning. The culture is changing!”
The programme has also helped to build Kate’s confidence in her abilities and reinforced the value of her approach. “I’ve always been a ‘Thrivey’ person, but it’s great to be recognised as doing good,” she said.
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A “massive” personal impact
As well as enhancing her professional practice, the apprenticeship has influenced Kate’s approach to parenting too. “The impact has been massive – I only wish I had Thrive when my kids were babies!” she reflected. “My way of managing behaviour, both at school and at home, has changed forever.”
Over to you
If you’re keen to learn more about Thrive apprenticeships, click below to read FAQs, download course guides for employers, and apply before the deadline.
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