Scoring & Interpretation:
Use the results from your self-assessment to understand where you are currently and what you need to do to progress.
Mostly A's: Basic Listening
Fragmented and/or passive listening with limited impact.
Mostly B's: Structured Listening
Regular but inconsistent practices across schools.
Mostly C's: Proactive Listening
Strategic, participatory approach with growing coherence and ownership.
Mostly D's: Embedded Listening
Cultural, consistent, and co-created listening strategy across the organisation.
Many organisations stop at basic listening: occasional surveys, patchy actions, and inconsistent communication. The framework shows the journey to embedded listening, where dialogue is continuous, leaders model openness, and stakeholders co-own solutions. Here, listening becomes a defining feature of the organisation’s identity: a listening organisation.
Wherever your trust is starting from, there are clear actions you can take to strengthen listening. Use the guidance above to move from participation to partnership.
Next Steps
Coming soon: early access to our full Listening Self-Assessment for your trust’s leadership team to complete together, plus a facilitated workshop. We’re opening a limited first cohort. Reserve your place now to get priority scheduling and launch updates.
A Call to Lead with Listening
In an era of polarisation, disruption, and rapid change, schools and trusts can act as anchors of fairness, cooperation, and resilience. By leading through listening, leaders not only strengthen outcomes but also model the values our communities need most.
Because when every voice matters, the whole school community thrives.