Head Start programme details

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Head Start supports new headteachers in becoming highly effective in their roles by increasing leadership skills and confidence, while encouraging learning, self-reflection and development.

National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) graduates receive access to:

  • short courses and guidance on finding and securing a headship position
  • an online community and networking tools
  • learning modules and short courses on exploring headship in different contexts

Newly appointed headteachers (within first two years of headship) are entitled to access all of the above, plus:

  • mentoring from coaches who are experienced headteachers
  • additional online communities
  • tailored online courses covering key aspects of headship
  • leadership development materials linked to the National Standards for headteachers

Programme element

Details
Coaches

Your coaches will:

  • provide 20–30 hours of support through face-to-face meetings, telephone or email
  • support and challenge you through coaching and mentoring
  • use action-based learning techniques and encourage you to reflect on your professional practice
  • help you make sense of your local and national context

Once you have accepted your first headship you can search a database of trained coaches. You can then contact a suitable coach to see if the pairing is appropriate.

Local authorities and dioceses are aware of coaches in the local area, and may suggest a suitable match for you once you are appointed.

Whilst recognising that it will often be beneficial for new headteachers and coaches to work in the same phase or type of school, you are able to choose to work with someone from a different area, type of school or phase if you so wish.

For further information read our short guide on coaches.
Leadership development opportunities

As part of Head Start you will gain access to:

  • facilitated online courses covering topics such as leading learning and teaching, strategic financial leadership in times of austerity, managing and improving performance, and school improvement planning
  • online leadership development modules for self-directed study, covering areas such as strategic leadership of change and outward facing leadership
  • online seminars, where facilitated discussions follow presentations on specific aspects of leadership, such as Raising standards: good to outstanding
  • online communities, giving you the opportunity to network and share experiences with other new heads

View the programme model as a diagram.