This episode offers advice, practical tips and inspiration for teachers who are thinking about taking on leadership roles within schools and for those already climbing the leadership ladder.

Three experts discuss why teaching staff should aspire to leadership and the different pathways and roles within middle and senior leadership.

What kind of skills are needed for leadership? How can teaching staff – including early career teachers – develop these skills and wider leadership experience? How can they dip their toe in the water and "have a go"? What kind of leadership opportunities can teachers look out for?

We discuss different pathways, specialisms and CPD options, including via the Chartered College, WomenEd, National Professional Qualifications and other routes.

What are the common barriers to leadership aspiration and how can we overcome them? And how can schools make middle and senior leadership attractive and more diverse?

This is one of two episodes focused on career conversations. The second, out on March 22, will focus on wider career pathways and progression within the secondary school.

These episodes have been produced in partnership with Teaching Vacancies, the free-to-use job listing service from the Department for Education. Sign up for job alerts via https://teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk