SLiCE Case Study: Headteacher David Wearing
Tuesday 10 February
Tell us about your experience of SLiCE
My experience of SLiCE was deeply transformative — both personally and professionally. Rather than being just another professional development programme, it was a journey that gradually reshaped how I think about arts, culture and leadership in education. In the early stages, I signed up simply because I was intrigued by the idea of connecting schools with cultural partners. I hadn’t fully grasped what it would become for me.
SLiCE enabled me to step out of the day-to-day operational pressures of school leadership and immerse myself in partnership-building, creative thinking, and reflective practice. Over the course of the fellowship I began to shift from project management towards systems leadership — seeing cultural education not as an “extra” but as a core part of learning, wellbeing and community connection. I developed strong relationships with cultural organisations and invested time in meaningful collaboration rather than intermittent activity, and this genuinely expanded my influence as a leader.
Over the course of the fellowship I began to shift from project management towards systems leadership — seeing cultural education not as an “extra” but as a core part of learning, wellbeing and community connection.
David Wearing , Headteacher , The Oaks Community Primary School
Looking back, how has SLiCE informed or impacted your work since completing the programme?
Looking back, SLiCE has had a lasting impact on the way I lead, advocate and embed creativity into school life:
Broadened strategic outlook
I now see cultural education as a systemic lever — something to be woven into curriculum design, wellbeing initiatives and community partnerships rather than an add-on. My leadership has shifted to be more connection-focused, building bridges between school, arts organisations, families and the wider community.
Stronger partnership practice
Instead of transactional relationships, I now prioritise deep, ongoing collaboration with cultural partners — valuing mutual learning over event delivery. This has enriched our school’s offer and allowed us to co-design experiences that feel genuinely meaningful for young people.
Personal development & advocacy
SLiCE pushed me out of my comfort zone, supported critical reflection and helped me articulate a persuasive narrative about why arts and culture matter in education. That has strengthened my voice, both within my school and across networks — helping to influence others and advocate for cultural learning at system level.
It’s worth it if you want to lead differently.
David Wearing , Headteacher , The Oaks Community Primary School
SLiCE is open for applications for our 2026/27 cohort. What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying?
If you are thinking about applying to SLiCE, I would say this:
It’s worth it if you want to lead differently.
SLiCE isn’t just about completing a programme — it’s about becoming a leader who can shape cultural education in meaningful and sustainable ways. It will stretch you, expand your networks and challenge you to think beyond your own school walls.
Be ready to be curious and open.
The value comes not from ticking project boxes but from engaging honestly with cultural partners, reflecting on practice, and exploring new ways of working. The programme rewards those who are willing to take risks, ask questions, and embrace learning beyond the familiar.
You won’t do it alone.
The mentorship, peer network and collaborative ethos are genuine strengths. SLiCE will connect you with people and perspectives that can open doors you didn’t even know were there.
In short — if you care about making a difference through culture and want to grow as a leader who can do that with impact, SLiCE is an exceptional opportunity.
David Wearing
SLiCE Fellow
Headteacher, The Oaks Community Primary School
Curious to know more?
If you’re interested to read more about SLiCE, and apply to be in our 2026/27 cohort, see below.