Fundraising for School Leaders programme

With support and endorsement from GSA and HMC, and in consultation with heads, IDPE has developed a highly personalised fundraising programme designed to fast-track heads (and aspiring heads) of independent schools to set up and lead effective professional fundraising programmes.  'This programme provides heads with a direct relationship with IDPE and personalised support and guidance to take each head on their individual development journey.' Philip Britton MBE, Head of Foundation, Bolton School

Who is it for?

IDPE's Fundraising for School Leaders programme is aimed specifically at:

  1. heads of independent schools who wish to start fundraising and are considering, or are in the process of, establishing a development office 
  2. aspiring heads who would like to expand and deepen their knowledge of fundraising to add to their leadership credentials
Heads will gain direct access to over two decades of fundraising and engagement expertise and benchmarking in UK independent schools, developing confidence and increasing understanding of best practice in schools' development. It is important for heads to attend the session themselves as we will be unable to admit any colleagues sent in their place.
 
'IDPE has provided a valuable sounding board for development related matters. I have found their benchmarking reports particularly helpful as they have provided evidenced based best practice to help optimise our return on investment in development.' Anna Tomlinson, Head, St Margaret's School for Girls 

What does the programme include?

IDPE's Fundraising for School Leaders programme is structured so that heads can access the most relevant information in an accessible way. This online programme includes:

  1. two tailored online professional development seminars delivered by an experienced development director
  2. two 'ask the expert' online discussion forums with a head and development director offering the opportunity to ask questions, discuss challenges and find solutions 
  3. one-to-one consultation with an experienced development director to identify unique opportunities and develop strategy
 
View the 2025-26 programme
'The Fundraising for School Leaders programme was invaluable to me as a Head. I faced the challenge of setting up a Development Office in my school, but I had no prior knowledge of this aspect of education. The programme delivered all the key information that I required in a concise, flexible format and it also gave me contacts with an excellent network of Heads and development professionals too.

'All of this gave me the confidence to plan a strategy for my school and to begin to secure the first gifts shortly thereafter. We have since appointed a Development Director and started the 'giving journey' at King's. I would highly recommend the programme to others.' David Morton, Head, King's Gloucester
 

Watch our introduction to the Fundraising for School Leaders programme

To learn more about the content of the programme and how it can benefit you, watch our introductory webinar with Louise Bennett, CEO, IDPE, and programme speaker Simon Jones, Director of Development, The Manchester Grammar School.

Watch now

Booking is now open for the 2025-26 programme
If you are an HMC, GSA or IDPE member, click here to book your place.