Leadership schools come in different forms, designed to meet the needs of the students, equipping them for servant leadership while giving opportunity for personal growth and development. Two emphases offered in this category of school are:

Staff and Leadership Training School (SALT) - During this school students discover and develop their gifts and talents in leadership roles. The course is especially designed for new staff at YWAM centres and is adapted to the context of the language and culture of the country in which it is taught. Some of the topics are: understanding the core values of YWAM, perspectives on missions, generational thinking, transforming cultures, personal fund-raising, worship and evangelism, personal ministry development, public speaking, spiritual authority, and conflict resolution.

School of Pioneer Leadership Development (SPLD) - This school has the goal of equipping young leaders to pioneer new YWAM bases, schools or ministries. Students will receive tools to help them in becoming effective learners and leaders -- learning the culture, and in some cases the language, of the people where they will pioneer. Topics include: team building, principles of pioneering, servanthood,foundational leadership practices, mentoring, coaching, and the role of intercession in pioneering. Students may have opportunity to work alongside ministries that are in a pioneering phase of development. A recommendation from a YWAM leader is required for entry into this course.