All teachers appointed to their first permanent headteacher roles in Scotland are soon to be required to have completed an Into Headship qualification.
The new obligation will come into force in August, under Section 28 of the Education (Scotland) Act 2016.
Aimed at teachers aspiring to become heads within the next two to three years, the programme – delivered in partnership between universities, local authorities and Education Scotland – awards a 60-credit postgraduate certificate.
The course gave me so much confidence to do my job and helped me to grow my relationships within the school
Participants are offered the support of a headteacher mentor and local authority co-ordinator, as – via a blend of theory and practical examples – they build the knowledge, skills and understanding required for leading a school.
On successfully completing the programme, participants are awarded the Standard for Headship.
“Doing the Into Headship programme has been the best decision I have made and the best experience I have had,” said Shelley McLaren, head of Craigroyston Community High School in Edinburgh for the last 18 months.
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“The responsibility of being headteacher is huge, as you have so many aspects to managing a school,” she added, “but the course gave me so much confidence to do my job and helped me to grow my relationships within the school.
“Through attending the programme, I have met so many headteachers and aspiring headteachers, and together we are open and honest with each other and are able to share advice and give each other strength to do our job.”
The application process for entry to the programme is open now. For further information, please visit teachinscotland/career-progression
