About Us
School Improvement and Leadership Support across South East England
Brightpath Education Services provides school leadership support and school improvement services throughout Kent, Essex, Surrey, Sussex and South London; helping leaders navigate an increasingly complex and demanding UK education system. We work alongside headteachers, senior leaders and governing bodies to strengthen school leadership, school evaluation, and school improvement planning, ensuring sustainable impact on teaching and learning. Through executive coaching, headteacher mentoring and senior leader mentoring, we offer practical school leadership advice that improves outcomes while protecting wellbeing.
At Brightpath, we believe that great leadership transforms schools - and that leaders deserve high-quality, trusted support. Our expertise includes school self-evaluation, primary school improvement, teaching and learning reviews, school staff CPD and professional development, as well as governor and governing body support, including headteacher appraisal and performance management. Our work is rooted in experience, integrity and a deep understanding of the realities of school leadership in today’s educational landscape.
Our Story
I recently spoke with a highly capable and successful headteacher who had made the difficult decision to resign from their post. When I asked what they planned to do next, their answer was simple and heartbreaking:
“I’ve no idea, but it’ll be nowhere near a school.”
Sadly, this is not an isolated story. Too many committed, talented system leaders are stepping away from roles they love because the pressures have become unsustainable.
Brightpath Education Services was created in response to this reality. As an experienced school leader myself, I understand just how demanding leadership can be. I also know the difference that the right support, at the right time, can make.
About the Director - David Sherhod
Brightpath Education Services is led by David Sherhod, an experienced school leader, executive coach and system leader with almost thirty years’ experience in education, more than twenty of which have been spent in senior leadership and headship roles within primary schools.
David is a former Head Teacher, Executive Head Teacher and MAT Regional Director. He has served as a Kent Leader of Education (KLE), supporting schools across the county. He led his own primary school to an Ofsted judgement of Outstanding in all areas in 2020 and also has experience of successfully moving schools out of Special Measures.
David is an ILM-qualified Coach and Mentor and he has a particular passion for executive leadership coaching. He has successfully coached middle and senior leaders, head teachers and executive head teachers, providing a psychologically safe, non-judgemental space for reflection, challenge and growth.
Alongside consultancy work, David currently leads facilitation for aspiring head teachers on the NPQH and delivers training for Early Career Teachers.
David is currently Chair of Governors at a thriving primary school in north Kent.
He has also held a number of Trustee roles linked to education.
David brings extensive expertise in:
- School improvement and self-evaluation
- Executive coaching and mentoring
- Change Management
- Financial and strategic leadership
- Teaching and learning
- Data analysis and assessment
- Curriculum design and implementation
- Appraisal
- Safeguarding
- Health and Safety
Services
Brightpath Education Services offers bespoke consultancy, coaching and training designed to support schools and school leaders at every stage of their journey. All our work is grounded in extensive leadership experience, evidence-informed practice and a deep understanding of the realities of education today.
We work flexibly and collaboratively, tailoring support to meet the specific needs of your school or organisation.
School Improvement Support
We provide strategic and practical school improvement support to help schools strengthen leadership, improve outcomes and build sustainable capacity. This includes: - Leadership support and challenge for head teachers and senior leadership teams - School self-evaluation and improvement planning - Support for schools experiencing challenge or transition - System leadership support through peer review and collaboration Our approach is developmental rather than directive, ensuring improvements are owned, embedded and sustained.
Teaching and Learning Reviews
Our teaching and learning reviews provide an honest, balanced and supportive evaluation of classroom practice and its impact on pupils. Reviews can include: - Lesson observations and learning walks - Scrutiny of pupils’ work - Professional dialogue with staff and leaders - Evaluation of curriculum intent, implementation and impact Findings are shared through clear, actionable feedback and practical next steps to support improvement.
Head Teacher Performance Management and Appraisals
Brightpath offers experienced, objective and supportive head teacher performance management, working closely with governing boards and trusts. This service includes: - Advising governors on how to set robust, meaningful and achievable objectives linked to school priorities - Supporting evidence-based evaluation - Compliance with statutory legal requirements Our approach balances accountability with care, ensuring the process is fair, developmental and focused on impact.
Executive Coaching and Mentoring
Coaching is at the heart of Brightpath Education Services. We offer high-quality executive coaching and mentoring for leaders at all levels. This includes: - Coaching for head teachers, executive head teachers and senior leaders - Support for those new to headship or aspiring leaders - Coaching during periods of challenge, change or increased pressure - Remote or in-person coaching, depending on location and need Coaching takes place in a psychologically safe, non-judgemental environment and is designed to build clarity, confidence and resilience. All coaching is delivered by a fully qualified ILM coach.
Staff Training and Professional Development
We design and deliver engaging, practical training that supports professional growth and leadership development. This includes: - Leadership development programmes - Training for aspiring head teachers (including NPQH facilitation) - Support and training for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) - Bespoke INSET and twilight sessions tailored to your school’s priorities Training is interactive, relevant and grounded in real-world leadership experience.
Personal Support
We recognise that no two schools are the same. All services can be adapted, combined or commissioned as part of a longer-term partnership. Whether you need short-term targeted support or ongoing consultancy, Brightpath Education Services will work with you to create a package that meets your needs.
Our Commitment
At Brightpath, we are committed to helping leaders not only succeed, but stay in the profession they care about. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, at a crossroads, or simply seeking professional challenge and clarity, we offer space, expertise and support to help you move forward with confidence.
Through practical knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership development, we aim to support educators in navigating their professional paths successfully.
Testimonials
“The ECT Conference was so helpful for me to develop my practice and to hear and learn from other ECTs and from David. The advice and help I’ve received has been so helpful and encouraging. It’s been great to be able to feel safe and confident to raise my concerns and worries.”
Early Career Teacher (ECT) feedback from the ECT Sevenoaks Partnership Conference, February 2026
“Learning and developing skills and tips from David has helped me to improve my teaching.”
Early Career Teacher (ECT) feedback from the ECT Sevenoaks Partnership Conference, February 2026
“Coaching helped me to develop personal and professional skills. My management of emotions linked to my work setting have improved greatly. Thank you, David.”
Primary School leader, July 2025
"David was engaged as a Leadership Consultant to support the school leadership team during a period where we were recruiting a substantive Headteacher. David worked closely and in collaboration with the Acting Headteacher and Chair of Governors on a number of leadership objectives and delivered against all criteria, including mentoring, safeguarding compliance, health and safety compliance, learning observations and feedback, SDP and SEF, appraisal process review and recommendations, robustness of assessments and data quality assurance, and measurement of key targets.
David has an excellent partnership approach, is highly experienced and for the short time he was required, we feel he made a significant impact and therefore highly recommend him for work of a similar nature."
Chair of Governers,
Kings Hill School
“I feel incredibly lucky to have had David support us and have felt challenged with kindness and informed throughout.”
Attendee on NPQH course facilitated by David, February 2026
"You certainly were a fabulous coach and got me through some tricky times.”
Primary School Headteacher, Maidstone, July 2025
"You have been such a great Head Teacher all the way through my children's time here and all the way through my journey from the PTA to Chair of Governors and I feel so lucky and privileged that this has been the case.”
Chair of Governors, Ightham Primary School,
February 2026
Contact Us
Get in Touch
If you’d like to discuss how Brightpath Education Services could support you or your school, we’d be very happy to hear from you.
Whether you are seeking coaching, consultancy, training or simply an initial professional conversation, please get in touch using the form below. All enquiries are treated confidentially and without obligation.