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Welcome to Solutions

Your very own virtual library of applied emotional intelligence and coaching questions for school leaders. 

I’m Maureen Bowes, the author of this website and the book People Solutions for School Leaders – What they didn’t tell you and you really need to know.

I’m qualified as an Executive Coach and Leadership Mentor. I’ve been coaching headteachers for twenty years now, so I know all too well what you go through and the challenges you face. I created this website and wrote the book to support and encourage you in the amazing work you do – changing future society through pupils’ and families’ learning.

I hope you find it empowering – for you and your people.

Maureen

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nurturing your integrity

View 3 samples here

SOLUTIONS is a growing library of over 200 posts covering personal and leadership development in education. It combines:

  • Themes and topics that show a real grasp of the leadership culture in education.
  • Coaching approaches – questions to coach yourself, to coach your people and those who are in authority to you.
  • Perspectives – prompts to remind you of difference and different communication needs.
  • The awareness and insights of what it means to live emotional intelligence in practice.
  • The skills and knowledge of an executive coach.
Solutions has been like having a co-pilot on my leadership journey. The combination of practical strategies and emotional intelligence offered through Solutions works equally well for individual challenges as it does for big-picture thinking. After nearly a decade of membership, it continues to be as essential today as it was in the beginning and is always at the top of my list for recommendations.
Fae DeanHeadteacher, The Westgate School, Winchester
As a Headteacher I find Solutions an invaluable resource for myself and in leading my team. Using it as part of our coaching offer enables me to self-reflect and encourage this in others. As a leader, I find it helpful to dip into when I need to reflect on a leadership challenge or think about different ways of working. I find it particularly useful that it links to the Coacting Styles. As a consultant and mentor to other Headteachers and Senior Leaders I regularly recommend a subscription to Solutions as part of a support package, alongside coaching. It is a truly accessible support and deeply valuable guide.
Ruth GriffithsHeadteacher, Rucstall Primary
We have been subscribing to solutions for a number of years and find it an invaluable resource to support our coaching across our school setting. We dip into it for help with individual teacher coaching through to helping us to design whole school INSET training. It is clear, accessible and easy to read, with more signposting on specific topics if needed, it is our" go-to resource" when we need help with coaching solutions!
Lisa and MariaCo-Headteachers, Springwell School
The Solutions website shares a multitude of scenarios to apply to my practice. When I feel overwhelmed, or I am dealing with a tricky situation, or need some inspiration, I often find myself dipping into Solutions . The Solutions are so helpful and really shape my thinking. If you are a leader in a school, I thoroughly recommend this website, I use it all the time!
Jo LivingstoneExecutive Headteacher, Springwood Federation
Solutions has become my invaluable go-to as a school leader for navigating the many complexities that come with managing people. It offers clear, practical advice that helps me lead with confidence—whether I’m tackling difficult conversations or building stronger, more effective teams. Knowing I have access to thoughtful, people-centered guidance whenever I need it makes a real difference. It’s like having a calm, experienced coach by your side. I’d recommend it to anyone in education who wants to lead well and bring out the best in their staff.
Debbie CookHeadteacher, Talavera Infant School
Solutions is always my first port of call when I’m faced with a difficult or sensitive situation involving a member of staff, or if I am struggling to look after myself in work. The strategies and advice are consistently insightful, practical, and grounded in empathy, which makes a real difference when navigating challenging circumstances. I have used Solutions for years now. It always helps me understand the human side of our difficult roles, and sleep at night knowing I can lead my team with kindness and understanding.
Aimée DearHeadteacher, Harestock Primary School
SOLUTIONS is one of my first points of call for an INSET starter, or if I, or a member of my team, need ideas on how to manage a situation, be that with individuals, a team, or those you are accountable to! I even know a few solutions off by heart! I’m reassured that if Maureen has written a solution about it, I can’t be the only one experiencing it!
Helen FranksSchool Principal, Prior's Court School
In a moment of stress, upset or worry, or confusion, review or planning, I can always find a resource, idea, prompt or question in the extensive Solutions library to help me find safe ground again. I find the coaching questions particularly helpful in keeping my mind in the place it needs to be in both professionally and personally. As both a resource for personal and professional growth I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Ian HickmanPrimary Headteacher
Solutions has been a transformative force in our leadership journey. It inspires us to pause and dig deep as we navigate the exhilarating, and sometimes turbulent, world of school life. The content doesn’t just scratch the surface — it provokes fresh thinking about school culture and equips us with powerful, practical tools to spark real, lasting mindset shifts in our teams. What we treasure most is how Solutions speaks directly to the heart of what we experience day in and day out as leaders.
Kelly Wilkie and Mehal ShahCo-Headteachers, Henry Tyndale School

How it works:

  1. You subscribe for one year via the button below and get immediate access to over 200 SOLUTIONS.
  2. You’ll receive an email link to a brand new SOLUTION every two weeks during term time (20 per academic year).
  3. You will be sent a reminder so that you can choose to renew your membership annually.

Just some of the 200+ Solutions you can access when you subscribe.

View 3 samples here

People Solutions for School Leaders

What they didn’t tell you and you really need to know.

Based on over twenty years of lessons learned from coaching headteachers and school leaders, People Solutions for School Leaders builds on the foundations of respect, adaptability, a coaching approach, and embedding habits. It gives you what you need to know about leading people in this rapidly changing education system. Features include:

  • Activities for team meetings and training days with access to free resources and downloads.
  • Headteachers’ shared experiences – in their own words.
  • Principles of emotional intelligence you can put into practice across your school community for stronger working relationships, successful teams, and community cohesion.

 

Full of practical insights and actionable strategies, this is essential reading for school leaders across all phases, governors and trustees, and all those with a coaching or mentoring role in education. 

Buy now

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If you are a leader in education and want insights and personal development at your fingertips, along with practical coaching questions to ask yourself and for coaching others, sign up to SOLUTIONS:

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