This is an Education Scotland Leadership Programme.
Towards Headship supports the continuous professional learning of those already awarded the Standard for Headship and who are now considering a headteacher post as their next career step. Towards Headship provides a set of experiences in which participants will continue their professional learning in relation to the specific context of school leadership.
The programme prepares candidates for successful school leadership by:
- critically engaging with the current and emerging international and national policy contexts
- enhancing the application of strategic thinking, planning and leadership practice
- supporting critical reflection on professional knowledge, understanding, inter-personal skills and abilities of leadership
- developing a co-coaching network to provide challenge and support in critical reflection on strategic leadership practices
- developing and reinforcing a knowledge of key aspects relating to school management.
*Recruitment to the 2022 programme is now open. Application forms and guidance are available to download below.*
Covid-19 update
In line with the advice and guidance from the Scottish and UK Governments, this programme will be delivered online.
The programme will commence with participants undertaking an emotional and social competency inventory (ESCI) 360 tool. They will receive feedback from a trained ESCI facilitator which will, along with reflection on the Standard for Headship, inform the development of a personal professional learning profile.
The national cohort meets at three online learning events, which are focused on:
- critical self-reflection based on leadership traits and attributes
- policy enactment within the current Scottish education policy context
- strategic leadership to effect positive outcomes for young people.
Participants will also complete online learning modules on employment law, education law, health and safety and managing finance. These online modules are self-directed and access will be provided from the beginning of the programme and will require to be completed before the conclusion of the programme.
The programme is a developmental programme which supports participants to enhance their confidence and skills as strategic leaders.
The Towards Headship programme is open to those who have successfully gained the GTCS Standard for Headship and are likely to take up a headteacher post as their next career step.
The programme commences in the autumn term, runs for 6-12 months and involves three online events.
Participants will come together for three online sessions to build their knowledge of strategic leadership, engage with relevant literature and research and develop peer coaching networks to reflect upon implications for their practice.
Participants will also complete online learning modules throughout the programme.
The Scottish Government is committed to supporting teachers to participate in the Towards Headship programme. The 2022 programme will be fully funded.
There is no funding for cover.
Applications for Towards Headship are now open and will remain open until 19th August 2022. We understand the many competing priorities that education colleagues are currently facing and the application window will be continually reviewed given the current situation.
If you would like to apply for the programme, you should first discuss your application with your line manager and/or employer. You should then complete the Towards Headship application form, and ensure that it is appropriately endorsed.
Towards Headship application form - June 2022
For local authority employees, the application process is managed by the local authority co-ordinator and completed forms should be returned to them. Applicants should confirm submission deadlines with their local authority co-ordinator.
For further information about this programme, or for an informal discussion with a Lead Specialist, contact us at edspll@educationscotland.gov.scot.
More information is also available in this FAQ document: