Applying for your Senior or Principal Fellowship can feel like a considerable commitment if you’re not sure where to start. To support prospective applicants, The Universities of Bristol, Bath Spa, Bath, and UWE Bristol have come together to offer prospective Principal Fellows and Senior Fellows a programme of workshops, writing retreats and opportunities for peer mentoring and buddying support.
Advance HE’s Principal Fellowship (PFHEA) recognises substantial strategic leadership and influence in learning and teaching in higher education. Our workshops and writing retreats are aimed at individuals who are highly experienced and able to show a sustained record of impact on teaching quality through their strategic leadership institutionally, and/or (inter)nationally. We recommend using Advance HE’s Fellowship Category Tool to check Principal Fellowship is relevant to you. Prospective Senior Fellows are also invited to attend our writing retreats and join our network of practitioners applying for SFHEA.
The programme of events aims to support you in understanding the requirements of Principal Fellowship and Senior Fellowship and help you develop your application. The programme includes an introductory workshop, writing retreats and the opportunity to network with and buddy up with others.
Programme and booking information.
Please book each event using the links provided:
| 10am – 12pm Thurs 15th Oct 2026 | Introduction to Principal Fellowship workshop | Bristol (with Bath and UWE) | October in-person workshop booking form |
| 9.30am – 4pm Tues 15th Dec 2026 | Principal and Senior Fellowship writing retreat | Bath, Online | December online retreat booking form |
Event Information
Introduction to Principal Fellowship workshop
This workshop is for those interested in, or already engaged in, applying for Advance HE’s Principal Fellowship. We recommend using Advance HE’s Fellowship Category Tool to check Principal Fellowship and this workshop is relevant to you.
This workshop aims to:
- Provide you with an overview of Principal Fellowship and the application requirements
- Explore your approach to strategic leadership
- Relate your own professional activities to Principal Fellowship requirements
- Develop/refine your Principal Fellow application
Principal and Senior Fellowship workshop writing retreat
The writing retreats are for those who want protected space to work on their Principal Fellowship or Senior Fellow applications. Writing retreats will offer structured writing time, alongside the opportunity to book one-to-one appointments to discuss your application.
Key contacts
Ros O’Leary, University of Bristol
Helen King, Bath Spa University
Becky Ward, University of the West of England
Paul Chin, University of Bath