Hurry! Only 4 places left on our next course (starts 22 June)
Transform relationships, behaviour and culture in your school
With increasing recognition of the importance of relationships, behaviour and wellbeing in schools, restorative practice is becoming a central approach to creating safe, inclusive and effective learning environments.
This one-year diploma has been designed specifically for education professionals, equipping you with the skills, confidence and understanding to apply restorative approaches in real school contexts and contribute to meaningful whole-school change.
As one of the UK’s most comprehensive school-based restorative training programmes, this course will support you to develop both as a practitioner and as a reflective professional, with learning that translates directly into your day-to-day work.
Train smart earn smarter.
90% cheaper than a degree
100% of the career prospects
The average cost of a degree in England is £28,605, yet 70% of graduates remain stuck in positions below their educational level once qualified, with 12% still in retail jobs! (Source: Prospects)
Our diploma is less than 10% of the cost of a degree, yet 90% of our students seeking employment are successful in securing a career in their chosen field!
Course Summary
Course Dates
2026 Online Evening Course (12 places)
1 evening a week (day chosen by the group)
typically 6-7pm, starts 22 June 2026 (1 yr)
2027 Online Evening Course (12 places)
1 evening a week (day chosen by the group)
typically 6-7pm, starts June 2027 (1 yr)
Give yourself the competitive edge.
Our qualifications not only equip you with the knowledge you need, but with practical skills and real-life experience to ensure you're work-ready once qualified.
We'll connect you to the right networks, and can help you with career planning, writing winning CV's and application forms, and interview success strategies* to ensure you get the success you deserve.
It's a complete package that is consistently helping over 90% of our students secure their dream job after graduating.
(*these extra services are available to students as a course benefit, at a special discounted rate. Full details can be found in your welcome pack.)
Buy and train with confidence
Over 25 years experience in adult education
Up to 2 years expert tutor support
Resubmit assignments with unlimited revisions
Reputable industry recognised training
What is Restorative Practice?
Restorative Practice is an approach to building relationships, managing conflict, and repairing harm. While it has been used to great effect in the criminal justice system, it is now widely used in education, where it plays a key role in supporting behaviour, wellbeing, and whole-school culture.
“
I completed the course last week and have already had 2 job offers. The course has changed my life in so many ways. I enjoyed every minute of it and would whole-heartedly recommend it.
In schools, Restorative Practice helps staff and pupils communicate more effectively, take responsibility, and resolve conflict in a way that strengthens relationships rather than damages them. It supports a shift from punishment to accountability, creating safer, more inclusive learning environments where everyone feels heard, respected, and able to thrive.
Ashleigh Clarke
Former Student
What does a Restorative Practitioner do?
A Restorative Practitioner in a school supports pupils, staff and the wider community to manage conflict, repair harm, and build strong, respectful relationships.
Practitioners work directly with children and young people, facilitating restorative conversations and meetings, supporting behaviour and emotional regulation, and helping individuals understand the impact of their actions. They also play an important role in shaping school culture — supporting staff, modelling restorative approaches, and embedding relational practices across the school.
As experience grows, many practitioners take on wider responsibilities, including leading restorative approaches within their setting, supporting colleagues, and contributing to whole-school improvement.
What does the work involve? (School settings)
Restorative Practitioners in schools:
- Support pupils to reflect on behaviour and understand its impact
- Facilitate restorative conversations between pupils, or between pupils and staff
- Help resolve friendship issues, conflict, and incidents of harm
- Support reintegration following suspension or time out of class
- Work with staff to respond to behaviour in a relational, consistent way
- Engage parents and carers in restorative processes where appropriate
The focus is always on creating safe, structured conversations that allow people to be heard, take responsibility, and move forward positively.
Working in wider contexts
The skills developed through restorative practice — including communication, conflict resolution, facilitation, and emotional awareness — are highly transferable.
While this diploma focuses specifically on schools, restorative practitioners are also in demand across a wide range of sectors, including youth work, social care, residential settings, mental health services, and community organisations.
Payment options
Which package?
0% Instalment Options
Course fee £4800
£2400
About your course.
Developed and delivered by experienced practitioners with extensive backgrounds in both restorative practice and education, this professional qualification equips you to confidently support pupils, staff and families through conflict, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a more relational school culture.
The course combines practical skill development with critical reflection and real-world application, ensuring that learning is immediately relevant and impactful within your setting.
Throughout the programme, you will engage with restorative principles and apply them directly to your work in schools, building a portfolio of evidence that reflects your learning and development.
Register your interest
Not able to join us this time round? No worries. Simply register your interest using the form below (no commitment) and we'll notify you as soon as new dates are added. We'll even offer you first choice of available places before they're advertised on our website.
Who is it for?
This course is particularly suited to:
- Teachers and teaching assistants
- Pastoral and behaviour leads
- SENCOs and safeguarding staff
- Senior leaders and school improvement leads
- Alternative provision and specialist setting staff
It is ideal for anyone looking to:
- Embed restorative approaches within their classroom or setting
- Improve behaviour, relationships and communication
- Reduce conflict and exclusions
- Contribute to a consistent, relational whole-school culture
Transform Your Practice and School Environment.
This diploma supports you to develop the skills and confidence to:
- Manage conflict and repair relationships effectively
- Support pupils to take responsibility for their actions
- Strengthen communication with staff, pupils and families
- Create calmer, more relational classroom environments
- Contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture
Many participants go on to take on roles such as Restorative Practice Lead, Pastoral Lead, or Behaviour/Wellbeing Lead within their setting.
Course Logistics.
The course runs from June 2026 to May 2027 and consists of 28 live online sessions delivered during term time.
- Weekly live online session (typically 6–7pm)
- 1-hour sessions designed to fit around the school day
- Structured teaching blocks aligned with UK school terms
- Protected study breaks each half-term
- Built-in catch-up and consolidation periods
The programme is carefully designed to reflect the realities of working in schools, ensuring it is manageable alongside professional responsibilities.
Qualification & Progression.
Tn successful completion, you will be awarded the Restorative IQ Diploma in Restorative Practice in Schools (Level 4).Diploma in Restorative Practice for Schools
Our in-house diplomas are benchmarked against Level 4 descriptors and are highly respected in the field. They are aligned with the Restorative Justice Council (RJC) Practitioner Framework, which is widely recognised as the gold standard in the field.
The course is designed to support progression towards RJC Practitioner Registration, with assessment evidence aligned to these standards.
The course is independently scrutinised by Learning and Skills and is subject to rigorous internal and external quality assurance.
What will I learn?
The course is practical, engaging and highly interactive, using a range of activities, discussions and real-life scenarios.
You will:
- Develop a strong understanding of restorative principles in education
- Learn how to facilitate restorative conversations and meetings
- Build strategies for creating relational classroom environments
- Explore behaviour as communication, including trauma-informed approaches
- Develop confidence in managing conflict, emotion and challenging situations
- Learn how to embed restorative approaches across your school
Sessions are delivered in a supportive and participatory style, reflecting the restorative approach itself.
Expand the sections below to view the full course syllabus.
01. Induction & Relational Foundations in Schools
02. What is Restorative Practice in Education?
03. Child & Adolescent Development and Behaviour
04. Behaviour as Communication: Trauma, ACE's & Unmet Needs
05. The Social Discipline Window & Restorative Approaches to Behaviour
06. Restorative Values, Ethics & Safeguarding in Schools
07. Respectful Authority: High Challenge, High Support
08. Teacher Language & Restorative Communication
09. Building a Restorative Classroom Culture
10. Community-Building Circles in Schools
11. Problem-Solving Circles & Curriculum Applications
12. Reflection & Applied Practice (Unit Review)
13. Preparing for Restorative Conversations with Children & Young People
14. First Contact & Early Repair Conversations
15. Initial Meetings with Pupils (Child-Centred Approaches)
16. The Restorative Meeting Process (School Context)
17. Facilitating Peer Conflict & Friendship Issues
18. Working with Parents & Carers
19. Restorative Approaches for SEND & SEMH Needs
20. Staff-Pupil Conflict & Professional Boundaries
21. Restorative Re-entry Following Suspension / Removal
22. Managing Challenge: Dysregulation, Escalation & Refusal
23. Follow-up, Agreements & Accountability
24. Reflection & Applied Practice (Unit Review)
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is designed to reflect real school practice and support professional development.
Rather than relying on formal casework, participants will build a portfolio of evidence through:
- A reflective practice journal
- Short research-based assignments
- Applied school-based projects
- Practice reflections and scenario-based work
- Skills development activities (including role-play and facilitated exercises)
This flexible and supportive approach allows you to demonstrate your learning in ways that are meaningful and achievable within a school setting.
Entry Requirements.
- All ages (18 and over) and levels of experience welcome.
- No experience in restorative practice is required, making the course accessible to anyone working in, or aspiring to work in, an educational setting.
Options for Additional School Support.
Schools may also choose to complement the diploma with:
- Bespoke twilight training sessions for staff
- (typically £350 per session)
These sessions can support wider staff development and help embed restorative approaches across the school.
Your Payment Options.
Self-Funded.
Pay upfront, choose 0% instalments, or seek funding locally.
Employer-Funded.
Give us the details of your employer, and we'll invoice them directly for your place.
Corporate Accounts.
We can tailor a programme for your staff and offer flexible payment options.
0% Instalments.
Choose to pay monthly with our interest-free instalment plan.
Meet your tutor.
The course is led by Harriet McSherry, an experienced teacher and restorative practitioner with extensive experience implementing restorative approaches in school settings.
“
The trainer was genuinely outstanding. She personified what a Restorative Practitioner should be. It's nice to be trained by someone you can aspire to become.
Harriet has led whole-school restorative initiatives, delivered staff training, and supported schools in embedding relational approaches that improve behaviour, wellbeing and outcomes for pupils.
Kelly Gilmore
Former Student
Her approach is grounded in the belief of connection before correction, creating environments where children feel listened to, valued, and able to thrive.
With you every step of the way.
We make sure you have everything you need to succeed:
Your Student Portal.
Access Materials: easily access everything you need from any laptop, tablet or smartphone. Explore slides, videos, articles, handouts, quizzes and assignments and work through them at your own pace.
Get Support: message, call or email your tutor anytime you have a question. The support and guidance we offer is the best in the industry, so put us to the test!
Complete Assignments: upload your assignments to your online portal for your tutor to mark. Receive feedback and helpful tips to improve your work.
Track Your Progress: see when assignments are due and which ones you've got left to complete. Easily track your progress from start to finish.
Limited Places - secure yours early.
To maintain a high-quality, supportive learning experience, places are limited.
Small group sizes allow for:
- meaningful discussion
- personalised support
- strong peer relationships
Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Take the next step...
If you’re looking to strengthen relationships, improve behaviour, and embed restorative practice within your school, this diploma offers a clear and supportive pathway to do so.
Register your interest or secure your place today.
Ready to skyrocket your impact?
Develop the skills, confidence and practical experience to use restorative approaches effectively in schools — improving behaviour, strengthening relationships, and creating a positive, consistent school culture.
Highly rated by happy students.
5.0
Based on 28 reviews
Most Recent
Leah
Sharpe
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of the course and I'm genuinely sad that it's come to an end.
The content of the course each week has been relevant, informative and easy to follow. I've learnt so much professionally and personally and will continue to use Restorative Practice in my daily life at work, at home, and in the community.
My tutors were the best; genuinely lovely people with a great sense of humour. I was amazed how they managed to create a warm, friendly culture amongst our group each week, even online. It made the course better than I ever imagined!
Emma
Thompson
The course has been one of the most engaging and meaningful qualifications I’ve completed. I feel that it has helped align me to the values I want to live by and the professional life I want to have. It has made me more hopeful about my own future, more confident in my communication skills and clearer about my ability to be of service to others while making positive changes towards promoting Restorative Approaches as a more effective alternative to criminal justice. Thank you Andrew and Julie for such a wonderful and transformative learning journey!
The training was:
- Inspiring and motivating. Made me more optimistic and hopeful about the value of RJ.
- Has made me a more confident communicator.
- A wonderful way to make community
- Well-balanced with theory, practice and relationship-building
- Theoretically interesting, facilitated by experts, fun and engaging!!
Louise
Dobson
I’ve really enjoyed how interactive and varied the course has been. From day one it been interesting and inclusive. I’ve also really enjoyed the pace which has ensured all subjects are completely digested and understood.
I was a little concerned at how I would manage the assignments as its not really my thing but I've actually really enjoyed doing them!!
I’ve also loved the sense of humour displayed by everyone and also the sense of team and friendship that I feel has genuinely blossomed despite never meeting in person. And role-play has been a blast, now I never thought I would say that!!
Can I also take the opportunity to say how much I've loved the course. Andrew and Julie do a fantastic job in making it interactive, interesting and fun. I genuinely really looked forward to Tuesdays evenings : )
John
Makepeace
I’d just like to say a huge thank you to my tutors and everyone involved. I didn’t really know what to expect when I signed up for the course. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole journey, feeling part of something, and it has really changed the way I live - being more restorative each day.
Ronnie
Allaker
Learn new skills that will challenge the way you think and interact with others. The course is well thought-out and delivered by excellent tutors. Discover new ways of working as the course develops. Help others to be a part of their community. What do I like about the course? Everyone supports each other throughout the course.
Kerrie-Anne
Scott
Amazing course run by fantastic tutors. Would recommend to anyone!
Callum
Pyle
Really glad I came out of my comfort zone and actually came on the course. The things I have learned and the people I have met have definitely opened my eyes and I feel overjoyed to have had the opportunity!
Debbie
Pyle
The things I’ve learnt on this course I know will change my life forever – the way I feel and look at things.
Be ready to change your whole outlook on life! Go for it – I did and I will never look back!
Beth
Thynne
The course is an amazing experience. You learn a lot without even realising it, and don’t realise until you’re asked a question and know the answer!
Trisha
Atkinson
The course has helped me considerably with personal circumstances, and this way of thinking/acting is life-changing. It makes your personal life easier with the different approaches used. Really enjoyable course. Go for it!
Suzanne
Raine
The highlight for me is how the group and tutors have grown together, and how much we have all learned from each other.
This course is very beneficial to all as it builds everyone’s skills in human communication – which is essential for anyone in all aspects of life and work.
There’s no part of the course I haven’t loved. Due to the tutors making it very easy and comfortable, the whole experience has been relaxing and enjoyable.
Dorrett
Murdock
The course has definitely allowed me to develop and grow as an individual, a facilitator and as a professional. It has enhanced my career and made me more marketable.
The highlight of the course so far is meeting the other students and getting to know them. They are now like family. I enjoyed their different stories and experiences. This is where I learn the most – life experiences.
I would thoroughly recommend this course to prospective students as it’s a life-changing journey of growth and development that has to be experienced to be really understood.
The lecturers are superb, they make learning easy and enjoyable. They are approachable and understanding, and never have a bad word to say.
Nicola
Davison
I feel everyone should be given the opportunity to do this course, as it gives you the skills to show empathy and understanding of what other people are feeling. I feel I have grown as a person and grown in confidence, and the course has made me aspire to be a better person. The tutors are great people, and so knowledgeable and helpful – perfect trainers. Do it!
Dorrett
Murdock
This week I reflected on the course and how it has impacted my learning and development. So far I have learnt so much even by listening to my colleagues sharing their experiences.
It is rather interesting, because there is so much learning and reinforcing learning. The open discussions are full of information that is so valuable and applicable to mediation and the restorative justice process. Our learning needs and requirements are being fulfilled gradually while our confidence is enhanced.
Julie and Andrew are a blessing to have. As tutors, they create a conducive atmosphere for learning to keep us relaxed, mentally and physically, as this maximizes learning. This is not to say that the learning curve or process is an easy one, it is not, but it is encouraging and makes me want to learn more.
Being participative is more of a willingness rather than being forced or coerced into learning. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of this course and feel proud to be an acquaintance of both Andrew and Julie, their kind natured and professional character will certainly ‘rub’ off on me. But honestly I really feel privileged being in their company, and being part of the course, to have met them.
This course has allowed me to have real mind and soul searching, learning to forgive, thinking of others before myself, enhancing communication with my family and taking into consideration my needs and others as well. I truly hope I can be a better person after coming on this course and learning from it and I think I will.
Barrie
Hindson
Thanks go to you and your team for the exceptionally high standard of training provided. Staff from numerous establishments have commented positively about both the course and how it will assist them in their role.
Ladean
Jones
I think very highly of you both and love you both to bits! I’m sure my family and friends are fed-up of hearing about you, I do go on about you both quite often. You have both greatly impacted upon my life massively in all you have both taught me and the advice you have given. You have both given me the gift of learning to love myself and others.
Kris
Evans
As a doubter and having very little awareness of this area, I was keen to learn more. Following the training my eyes have been opened and my view has drastically changed.
Following incidents of anti-social behaviour and or violence within the custodial setting, the Prison Service routinely challenge people via the IEP and adjudication process as a punishment. There is very little work ever done to actually break the cycle of such behaviour, making people aware that their behaviour is anti-social with a view to changing their understanding of what is expected or accepted.
In over 28 years of Prison Service experience, I have never seen such an opportunity to change and break that cycle. RJ is an effective process to help people become aware of, learn and understand how their behaviour impacts on others, and how they can change their thought process and actions and break that cycle of behaviour.
Barrie
Hindson
A huge thank you to you and your team for yet another fantastic training course.
The staff gave fantastic feedback and are extremely keen to introduce the restorative approach within their home establishments. I have received phone calls over the weekend from staff hoping that further places on the course will be made available so that further staff can be trained and upskilled in conflict resolution.
This approach is having huge benefits within the prison estate when used correctly. I have spoken to a large number of prisoners who are well known to me from my time working in the segregation units. These lads were always in segregation for acts of violence, however, since taking part in restorative meetings with staff and their victim/co-accused they have (in the main) refrained from violent behaviour. This obviously has a positive impact on the stability within establishments and reduces the risk to both staff and prisoners.
I have emailed my manager yesterday with details of the restorative approach and its benefits so that a business case can be discussed for further implementation of restorative approaches within prisons. Again, thank you for your continued support in this project.
Graeme
Irwin
I can honestly say that I came on the course just to get a few days off the wings. In my 22 years as a prisoner officer, the best I could say about most of the courses I’ve been on is that yes, I’ve done it, it’s over, I’ve ticked the box.
Restorative Justice is the only course I’ve ever done where I’ve thought – yes, I can actually use this, and I can see it making a difference and improving the challenging environment we work in.
Since the course, I’ve managed to get approximately 20 shifts working on RJ cases, and am now seeing first-hand the effect it is having. The course has benefited me in so many ways and completely changed my outlook.
Kath
Keenan
The course was absolutely brilliant and truthfully, is the best course I have ever attended and one which has so much potential to be transformative in so many ways.
I feel incredibly lucky to have been involved in one of the best events of my entire career and it is very exciting.
Hazel
Neasham
I’ve loved the training and believe it should be mandatory for everyone early in their career, as it has the power to transform the way we work with clients, and our relationships with colleagues and teams.
Kelly
Gilmore
The course has truly been life-changing. It’s transformed the way I see clients and the person I want to be, and has inspired me to pursue a whole new career.
A banana is said to be the most wholesome fruit, as it contains all the nutrients needed to sustain life. Andrew has been my banana. I have an intellectual and philosophical crush!
Laura
Kay
The course does change you. Not only does it give you the skills to aid others, but it builds you as an individual too. I’m a much more confident and rounded person now. I reflect on my behaviour more, and question my judgements and assumptions. It’s improved all my relationships. I’m more patient with people than I ever used to be. Such a great course!
Phillipa
Scrafton
The tutors are incredibly inspiring, calming, encouraging and so very helpful. This has truly been a light bulb process for me and something I am so very much looking forward to progressing and working on.
Trish
Manners
I am drawn to this open, resolution-focused, optimistic approach…I have applied it this week and have felt calmer, more in control and motivated as a result.
Restorative problem-solving has been quite a simple step change with a big outcome – and I’ve also noticed how differently people then respond to you in all aspects of life by applying an ‘I can sort it’ attitude.
Got my grey matter juices flowing already with lots of thoughts and feelings – I can’t wait to get stuck into the rest of the course and develop and learn along the way
Joanne
Dewar
I felt sad about the group ending. I feel that I’ve got to know some really special people and each week I’ve sat and listened in awe to some of their input.
A lot of it has been quite thought provoking, and has led me to question some of my long-held assumptions and to start and view things from a different perspective.
I’ve realised how far removed I am from some of the problems that people face on a daily basis and I think it’s been really good to have my eyes opened to some of these issues and to help me understand that my reality is sometimes very different from that of others.
Pamela
Wood
The course has given me confidence, and the ability to do things that I would of otherwise said no to. I now realise that I can achieve anything I put my mind to.
I have made a lot of new friends, and future work colleagues, this I wouldn’t have thought possible a year ago.
The course is brilliant and I would recommend it to my friends, as I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.
Kev
Gamblin
This course is one of, if not the most valuable piece of training that I have ever been involved with in 23 years of being a social care worker. I have been involved with a lot of statutory and compulsory training and have yet to be as enthused as I am of seeing the value of restorative practice. I can already feel the difference with patients – this course has given me a whole new approach to the way I engage with them.
Where our grads are working...
Our graduates can be found in the criminal justice system, local authorities, schools, health and social care settings, and third sector organisations throughout the UK.
What our students are saying...
Fancy a cool newsletter?
Be the first to get our latest news and offers.
We're transforming careers and changing lives by bringing online learning into the 21st century.
Company.
About Us
Teach
Advertise
Affiliates
Links.
Student Login
Support
News & Events
Contact Us
Lets Connect.
Have questions?
Chat with us or email us at hello@justiceacademy.org.uk. We'll get back to you within a few hours, or your pizza is free!
Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms & Conditions Preference Centre Modern Slavery Statement Whistleblowing Policy Proudly built in the North-East by Legacy Studios
© Justice Academy 2023 - a brand of Restorative IQ Community Interest Company, registered in England and Wales under company number 11202061. All rights reserved.
Justice Academy, Portland House, Belmont Business Park, Durham, DH1 1TW. Logos and trademarks used are the property of their respective owners.