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Ken McCaughey

Region(s) Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon

Qualifications and Affiliations


Trained and accredited by the Centre for Education Management within the Regional Training Unit (Leadership Branch of Department of Education NI, now incorporated into Educational Authority NI)
Certificate in Education -Primary (Stranmillis College)
B.ED (Open University)
B.Phil Hons. (University of Ulster)
M.Sc Educational Management (University of Ulster)
Certificates in:
PQH (NI) Tutor Certificate
Learning Line NOF funded Training Certificate
Online Learning and Teaching for Educators Certificate (National Open College Network)
Affiliate Member of the Association for Coaching

Experience in one to one coaching


I first became involved in one to one coaching in 2010 when I was a Professional Development Officer with the Regional Training Unit and deeply involved in all aspects of Professional Qualification for Headship (PQH). I received initial input from Centre for Educational Leadership in Nottingham and then underwent training and reaccreditation from the same institution.
Initially I was involved in working with Trainee Head Teachers (THT’s), discussing their concerns relating to their preparation for headship. I am still very much involved in his work having worked with almost 30 THT’s to date.
In addition to this work I have over the last 2 years been involved on one to one coaching with experienced principals who have been under severe stress as a result of exceptionally demanding situations they are experiencing or have experienced. This is demanding work involving essential coaching skills such as listening, questioning, empathising and supporting.
I also am involved in the training of Principals, Senior Managers in schools, Middle Leaders and aspiring leaders in the development of one to one coaching skills. This involves the planning of training days, providing coaching scenarios and assessing and feeding back to trainees on progress. This work is done under the auspices of professional organisations such as Education Authority for Northern Ireland, Carecall and also increasingly in a private capacity. It invariably involves dealing with underperformance and securing school improvement.
I make a conscious effort to incorporate one to one coaching into all aspects of leadership training I do and this included training in developing Interpersonal skills where I, when the opportunity arises actually coach those participating.


CSL is funded by the Teacher Education Section (TES) of the Department of Education (DE)
This service is managed by Clare Education Centre.