The Education Group

Our Story The Education Group is one of New Zealand’s most trusted partners in school improvement, leadership development, and professional learning. Established in 2004, the organisation brings over two decades of hands-on experience supporting schools across Aotearoa New Zealand. Every director and consultant on the team has held Principal and/or Senior Leadership Team (SLT) roles, ensuring guidance is grounded in real-world school leadership. The group blends long-standing educational insight with modern, research-informed practice to deliver practical, future-focused support tailored to each school’s unique context and priorities. As the exclusive New Zealand partner of Growth Coaching International (GCI), The Education Group provides globally recognised coaching certifications and access to world-leading instructional coaching methodologies shaped by thought leaders such as Dr Jim Knight. The team includes multiple EMCC Senior Practitioners and GCI Accredited Coaches, reinforcing a commitment to evidence-informed, high-quality professional learning. Programs & Trainings 🎓 From the Science of Learning to High Impact Teaching — A practical workshop delivering science-backed strategies to boost student engagement, reduce cognitive overload, and improve learner outcomes. Open to teachers, deans, HODs, middle leaders, principals, and senior leadership teams. Offered online and in-person across Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin, and Wellington. 🎓 Head of Department (HOD) Leadership — A two-day course clarifying the HOD role and building essential skills in leading curriculum, developing learning culture, managing teams, and navigating change effectively. Offered in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch, and online. 🎓 Head of Department (HOD) Advanced Leadership — A deeper-level programme for HODs focusing on curriculum leadership, team management, and change navigation. Scheduled in Auckland. 🎓 Effective Middle Leadership Primary & Intermediate — A practical two-day course exploring leadership approaches and core skills for middle leaders in primary and intermediate settings. Delivered in Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Rotorua, and Wellington. 🎓 The Effective Dean — A two-day workshop clarifying the Dean’s role while strengthening communication, collaboration with students, colleagues and parents, and personal wellbeing and workload management. Available in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch, and online. 🎓 Instructional Coaching: The Impact Cycle — A workshop designed to strengthen teacher conversations and make classroom observations purposeful, driving positive shifts in teaching and learning practice. Open to a wide range of leaders and teachers. Delivered in Auckland, Christchurch, and online. 🎓 Introduction to Leadership Coaching — Introduces Growth Coaching International’s proven “relationships to results” methodology for coaching individuals and teams in education settings. Offered across Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, and Christchurch, plus online. 🎓 Coaching in Leadership — An immersive workshop to master evidence-based coaching skills and transform how leaders conduct professional conversations, build trust, and drive student outcomes. For middle leaders, principals, and senior leadership teams. 🎓 Essential Skills for Mentors — Develops high-quality mentors through balanced guidance, improved conversational skills, and coaching techniques. For middle leaders, senior leadership team members, and teachers. Delivered in Wellington and Auckland. 🎓 Specialist Classroom Teacher (SCT) Leadership — Strengthens SCTs as pedagogical leaders by building practical coaching, collaboration, and instructional skills to support teacher growth and lift student success. Available in Auckland and online. 🎓 Coaching Skills for Students — Equips educators to implement a research-based peer coaching programme that enhances learner agency and builds students’ emotional intelligence. Offered in Auckland. 🎓 EOTC Management & Safety — A practical course covering Education Outside The Classroom safety systems, risk management, and inclusive practices aligned with current national guidelines. For principals and senior leadership teams. Available in Auckland, Christchurch, and online. 🎓 Professional Learning & Development (PLD) and Coaching Pathways — Nationwide consultancy and workshop programmes in leadership, curriculum, pedagogy, and strategic review, including access to GCI coaching certifications and postgraduate coaching pathways tailored to school contexts. 🎓 Senior Appointments (Whakatūranga) — Executive search and appointment services for school principals and senior leaders. Specialties 🎯 Instructional Coaching & The Impact Cycle 🎯 Growth Coaching International (GCI) Methodologies 🎯 Middle & Senior Leadership Development 🎯 Curriculum, Pedagogy & High Impact Teaching 🎯 School Strategy, Review & Evaluation (Arotake) 🎯 Senior Executive Appointments in Education 🎯 EOTC Safety & Risk Management 🎯 Mentor & Coach Training for Educators 🎯 Student Peer Coaching & Learner Agency 🎯 Evidence-Informed Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Methods & Approach The Education Group employs an evidence-informed, research-aligned approach that prioritises long-term capability building over short-term fixes. All support is tailored around each school’s specific context and strategic priorities. Coaching frameworks draw on Growth Coaching International’s “relationships to results” methodology and Dr Jim Knight’s internationally validated instructional coaching models, adapted for Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural educational landscape. Facilitation is hands-on and practical, combining modern educational research with deep leadership experience. The team integrates bicultural perspectives, reflected in programme naming and organisational practice, to ensure relevance across New Zealand school contexts. Who It's For The group works with principals, senior leadership teams (SLT), middle leaders, heads of department (HODs), deans, specialist classroom teachers (SCTs), classroom teachers, and mentors across primary, intermediate, and secondary schools. It also supports boards and presiding members through appointment processes, and directly benefits students through peer-coaching programmes delivered by trained staff. The programmes cater to both emerging and experienced leaders seeking practical, research-backed professional development. Facilities & Practical Info Workshops and consultancy services are delivered nationwide throughout New Zealand, with in-person sessions regularly scheduled in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Rotorua, alongside fully online options. Full-day workshops generally include morning tea and lunch. Schools are invoiced after registration with no upfront payment required to secure a place. Specific venues are communicated at least one week prior to each course. Programmes run year-round with extensive 2026–2027 schedules currently open for booking. Location Address: Level 2, 24 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand Hours: See website for schedule The "+" ✅ Over 20 years of trusted expertise in New Zealand education, established in 2004. ✅ Every team member has direct Principal and/or SLT experience. ✅ Exclusive NZ partnership with Growth Coaching International, offering globally recognised coaching certifications and access to Dr Jim Knight’s world-leading instructional coaching research. ✅ Nationwide coverage with tailored, evidence-informed support that builds sustainable long-term school capability. ✅ Multiple EMCC Senior Practitioners and accredited coaches on the facilitation team.