DARPL Founder and Director, Chantelle Haughton, welcomed and officially launched Cohort 6 (North and South Combined), bringing together over 23 leaders. The event was held on 22nd September 2026 at Conference Rooms 2 & 3, Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff Metropolitan University.
What an inspiring start to the DARPL Enhanced Leadership Series (ELS) Cohort 6 (North and South Combined). The room was filled with an exceptionally diverse and committed group of leaders from schools, local authorities, and wider educational settings, all united by a shared ambition to advance equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice across Wales.
Kate Powell and Tanya Papworth-Morgan from our valued partner, Show Racism the Red Card, facilitated the Day 1 sessions, supporting participants to engage critically with concepts, challenges, and issues relating to equity, representation, and leadership. Meanwhile, DARPL National Outreach Teacher and ELS Coordinator Leon Andrews, provided an overview of the pre-course survey, programme structure, and participant expectations. The wider DARPL team also played a key role in supporting attendees throughout the day, helping to create a welcoming, collaborative, and engaging learning environment.
A key theme throughout the day was the power of collaboration. Participants explored the intersection between their own organisational priorities and wider educational reform agendas, identifying opportunities to work collectively in pursuit of greater equity, belonging, and improved outcomes for all learners.
We were privileged to hear from an outstanding line-up of guest contributors, including Dr Gaynor A. Legall, Chair of Trustees of Tiger Bay and The World (The Heritage & Cultural Exchange); Professor Gavin Porter; Rebecca Eversley; Linda; and ELS alumna Emma Turner, Head Teacher of Springwood Primary School. Their contributions challenged participants’ thinking, inspired deep reflection, and underscored the importance of courageous, values-driven leadership in creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. Their diverse perspectives enriched discussions throughout the day and reinforced the collective commitment to driving meaningful and sustainable change across Wales.
The Enhanced Leadership Series is one of DARPL’s flagship programmes, it’s designed to deepen self-reflection, build brave spaces, dismantle barriers to change, and develop anti-racist strategies that create real and lasting impact in schools and learning institutions.
Our ELS training is free and funded only for leaders in schools, childcare, play, early years, local authorities, stakeholder organisations, and ITE. Further Education (FE), Higher Education (HE), and wider-context leaders are subject to a costed place.
If you are considering joining the DARPL Enhanced Leadership Series and Community of Practice, find out more by following this link: https://darpl.org/community-of-practice/enhanced-leadership-series/
Join ELS Cohort 7
If you are committed to developing anti-racist leadership, we encourage you to register your interest.
Bookings for Enhanced Leadership Series Cohort 7 are still open.
South Wales – commencing 13 January 2027
North Wales – commencing 20 January 2027
Here’s the link to express your interest: Enhanced Leadership Series Enquiry Form.
