National Aspiring Headteacher Development Programme:
Preparing for NPQH
Welsh Government, in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, have developed a new NPQH programme.
A pilot version of this new programme will take place in the early Spring Term 2025.
Welsh Government are inviting applications from school leaders, who are ready for headship, to take part in this pilot programme. This invitation will appear in the Dysg newsletter and can be found within the Hwb platform from the 9th September to the 30th September 2024.
For further details and the application form, please click the Hwb link below.
National Professional Qualification for Headship – Hwb (gov.wales)
Important Notice [Autumn Term 2023]
The arrangements for school leaders to achieve the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH) have now changed and can no longer be pursued through participation in the Aspiring Headteachers Development Programme.
The participants currently on the Aspiring Headteachers Development Programme, who commenced the programme in January 2023, will be the last to go through to NPQH assessment following participation in the programme in this current format.
Welsh Government, in collaboration with other stakeholders, are in the process of developing new NPQH arrangements, by which a new programme will be in place for Autumn 2024. Further details about this new NPQH programme will be issued in due course.
These changes are a decision made by Welsh Government, following the publication of Professor Mick Waters’ report of his review of the current NPQH arrangements. A statement from Welsh Government is available here.
Previous participants on the Aspiring Headteachers Development Programme, who deferred their NPQH assessment, or did not yet meet the requirements, will have opportunities to be assessed at a NPQH Assessment Centre in February 2024 and again in May/June 2024.
2022-2023
Applications Open – 20/06/2022
This one-year development programme is an exciting professional learning opportunity for experienced school leaders across Wales who wish to become head teachers in the near future. Completion of this programme is an expectation for all future NPQH applicants.
This national programme is delivered by Regional Consortia and their partners, which include Local Authorities. It has been endorsed by the National Academy of Educational Leadership.
Audience
This programme will be available to all experienced school leaders who believe that they demonstrate attainment against the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step.
Briefing Sessions
Prospective applicants are strongly advised to view the video of the briefing session before applying.
After watching the video, prospective applicants and/or their headteacher / line manager may attend a question and answer session via Teams if they wish on either:
15:30 on 20/09/22 (English medium) or
15:30 on 28/09/22 (English medium) or
15:30 on 14/09/22 (Welsh medium) or
15:30 on 21/09/22 (Welsh medium)
In order to register for the session and to receive the Teams link, please complete this registration form by 12/09/22: https://forms.office.com/r/JVTExwcZQg
Purpose
The programme promotes highly effective leadership through self-evaluation and reflection, exploring the relationships between leadership, successful schools and the wider community. It will ensure equity of access to practitioners across Wales and an increase in the number of high-quality applicants for headteacher posts in schools.
Participants will undertake enriching activities that build upon previous experience to develop;
- their understanding of the role of an effective headteacher
- their skills and attributes through self-review against the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership
- their understanding and effective application of a range of leadership skills
- their collaboration skills through an effective engagement in peer networks and
- their knowledge and skills for developing their schools as learning organisations and ensuring the success of the national reform agenda
The programme will enable participants to reflect on their own professional practice and to ensure they are well prepared when applying to undertake formal assessment for the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).
| REGION | CO-ORDINATOR | CONTACT |
| CSC | Emma Coates Alison Tovey |
Emma.Coates@cscjes.org.uk Alison.Tovey@cscjes.org.uk |
| EAS | Adelaide Dunn Deb Woodward |
Adelaide.Dunn@sewaleseas.org.uk Deb.Woodward@sewaleseas.org.uk |
| Partneriaeth | Rob Phillips Hazel Faulkner |
phillipsr145@hwbcymru.net hazel.faulkner@partneriaeth.cymru |
| GwE | Rhys Williams Ann Grenet |
cpcp@gwegogledd.cymru |
| Mid Wales Education Partners |
Sarah Perdue | sarah.perdue@powys.gov.uk |
Delivery Method
The programme takes place over a one-year period and requires a commitment of the equivalent of five days between January and December.
The programme may be delivered through a blended learning model.
All activities undertaken as part of this programme are delivered in Welsh, English or bilingually.
Each candidate is allocated a Leadership Coach and membership of a peer group for support throughout the programme.
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
| PRE-PROGRAMME | Attend Briefing Session, with Headteacher or Line Manager Complete Leadership Standards Review (LSR) Click here for access to the Standards in Excel format to assist you. |
| APPLICATION |
Application form to be completed by 1pm on 27/10/2022 LSR to be completed and forwarded to cpcp@gwegogledd.cymru by 1pm on 27/10/2022 |
| DEVELOPMENT MODULE 1 – MAKING A DIFFERENCE |
|
| DEVELOPMENT MODULE 2 – LEADERSHIP (i) |
|
| DEVELOPMENT MODULE 3 – LEADERSHIP (ii) |
|
| DEVELOPMENT MODULE 4 – LEADING PEDAGOGY |
|
| DEVELOPMENT MODULE 5 – EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL WORKFORCE |
|
Application (by 1pm on 27/10/2022)
Applications are welcomed from proven senior school leaders from across Wales who believe that they demonstrate the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step.
Application Form
Applications for this programme should be endorsed by your school’s Headteacher or line manager following a professional discussion based on a completed Leadership Standards Review (LSR).
Please note: Application for NPQH is the expected outcome for participants in this programme.
Applications for the Aspiring Headteacher Development Programme – preparing for NPQH should be completed and submitted by 1pm on 27/10/22.
The completed LSR should be forwarded to cpcp@gwegogledd.cymru by 1pm on 27/10/22.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application on 08/12/2022.
Application form available here.
2021-2022
This one-year development Programme is an exciting professional learning opportunity for experienced school leaders across Wales who wish to become headteachers in the near future. Completion of this Programme is an expectation for all future NPQH applicants.
This national Programme is delivered by Regional Consortia and their partners, which include Local Authorities and Higher Education Institutions. It has been endorsed by the National Academy of Educational Leadership with the opportunity for accreditation, in partnership with UWTSD and Bangor universities.
Audience
This Programme will be available to all experienced school leaders who believe that they demonstrate attainment against the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step.
Briefing Sessions
Briefing Sessions will be held via Teams on 13/09/21 at 15:30 (Welsh medium) and on 14/09/21 at 15:30 (English medium). Prospective applicants are strongly advised to attend one of these sessions before applying.
If you were unable to attend a briefing session, here is a recording of the English-medium session and a copy of the slides.
Purpose
The Programme promotes highly effective leadership through self-evaluation and reflection, exploring the relationships between leadership, successful schools and the wider community. It will ensure equity of access to practitioners across Wales and an increase in the number of high-quality applicants for headteacher posts in schools.
Participants will undertake enriching activities that build upon previous experience to develop:
- their understanding of the role of an effective headteacher
- their skills and attributes through self-review against the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership
- their understanding and effective application of a range of leadership skills
- their collaboration skills through an effective engagement in peer networks and
- their knowledge and skills for developing their schools as learning organisations and ensuring the success of the national reform agenda
The programme will enable participants to reflect on their own professional practice and to ensure they are well prepared when applying to undertake formal assessment for the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).
| REGION | CO-ORDINATOR | CONTACT |
| CSC | Emma Coates Matthew Robbins |
Emma.Coates@cscjes.org.uk Matthew.Robbins@cscjes.org.uk |
| EAS | Adelaide Dunn Deb Woodward |
Adelaide.Dunn@sewaleseas.org.uk Deb.Woodward@sewaleseas.org.uk |
| ERW | Rob Phillips | cpcp@erw.org.uk |
| GwE | Rhys Williams Ann Grenet |
cpcp@gwegogledd.cymru |
Delivery Method
The Programme takes place over a one-year period and requires a commitment of the equivalent of five days between January and December.
The Programme may be delivered through a blended learning model.
All activities undertaken as part of this Programme are delivered in Welsh, English or bilingually.
Each candidate is allocated a Leadership Coach and membership of a peer group for support throughout the Programme.
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
| Pre-Programme | Attend Briefing Session 13/09/21 at 15:30 (Welsh medium) 14/09/21 at 15:30 (English medium) Complete Leadership Standards Review (LSR) Click here for access to the Standards in Excel format to assist you. |
| Application |
Application form to be completed by 1pm on 22/10/2021 LSR to be completed and forwarded to cpcp@gwegogledd.cymru by 1pm on 22/10/21 |
| Development Module 1 – Making a Difference |
|
| Development Module 2 – Leadership (i) |
|
| Development Module 3 – Leadership (ii) |
|
| Development Module 4 – Leading Pedagogy |
|
| Development Module 5 – Effective development of the school workforce |
|
Application (by 1pm on 22/10/2021)
Applications are welcomed from proven senior school leaders from across Wales who believe that they demonstrate the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step.
Application Form
Applications for this Programme should be endorsed by your school’s Headteacher or line manager following a professional discussion based on a completed Leadership Standards Review (LSR). Prospective applicants are strongly advised to attend a briefing session before applying.
Please note: Application for assessment towards the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is the expected outcome for participants in this Programme.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application to follow the Programme by Thursday 02/12/2021.
Applications for the Aspiring Headteacher Development Programme – preparing for NPQH should be completed and submitted by 1pm on 22/10/2021.
The completed LSR should be forwarded to cpcp@gwegogledd.cymru by 1pm on 22/10/2021.
2020-2021
This one-year development programme is an exciting professional learning opportunity for experienced school leaders across Wales who wish to become head teachers in the near future. Completion of this programme is an expectation for all future NPQH applicants.
This national programme is delivered by Regional Consortia and their partners, which include Local Authorities and Higher Education Institutions. It has been endorsed by the National Academy of Educational Leadership with opportunity for accreditation in partnership with UWTSD and Bangor universities.
Audience
This programme will be available to all experienced school leaders who believe that they demonstrate attainment against the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step.
Purpose
The programme promotes highly effective leadership through self-evaluation and reflection, exploring the relationships between leadership, successful schools and the wider community. It will ensure equity of access to practitioners across Wales and an increase in the number of high-quality applicants for headteacher posts in schools.
Participants will undertake enriching activities that build upon previous experience to develop:
- their understanding of the role of an effective headteacher
- their skills and attributes through self-review against the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership
- their understanding and effective application of a range of leadership skills
- their collaboration skills through an effective engagement in peer networks and
- their knowledge and skills for developing their schools as learning organisations and ensuring the success of the national reform agenda
The programme will enable participants to reflect on their own professional practice and to ensure they are well prepared when applying to undertake formal assessment for the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).
Region |
Co-ordinator |
Contact |
| CSC | Emma Coates Matthew Robbins |
Emma.coates@cscjes.org.uk matthew.robbins@cscjes.org.uk |
| EAS | Adelaide Dunn Deb Woodward |
Adelaide.Dunn@sewaleseas.org.uk deb.woodward@sewaleseas.org.uk |
| ERW | Tom Fanning Hazel Faulkner |
Tom.fanning@erw.org.uk hazel.faulkner@erw.org.uk |
| GwE | Rhys Williams Ann Grenet |
npqh@gwenorth.wales |
Delivery method
The programme takes place over a one-year period and requires a commitment of the equivalent of five days between January and December.
The programme may be delivered through a blended learning model.
All activities undertaken as part of this programme are delivered in Welsh, English or bilingually.
Each candidate is allocated a Leadership Coach and membership of a peer group for support throughout the programme.
Time |
Activity |
| Pre-Programme | Self- Review against the Leadership Standards (ISSR) |
| Application | |
|
Development Module 1 – Making a Difference
|
· Programme Overview including role of LC and networking · Role of Headteacher · Where are we? – the Welsh educational context · Vision – what is your vision? Developing a shared vision. · Strategic Planning – SER and SIP · Leadership Experience Task |
| Development Module 2 – Leadership (i) |
· What is effective leadership? · What sort of leader am I? · Effective Teams · Human Resources |
| Development Module 3 – Leadership (ii) |
· Leadership Styles – Collaborative, Distributed, Transformational, Situational · Managing Change · Health and Safety |
| Development Module 4 – Leading Pedagogy |
· Role of Headteacher in Teaching and Learning · Quality Assurance · Use of Data · Measuring and Reporting Impact · Managing resources, including Finance |
| Development Module 5 – Effective development of the school workforce |
· Schools as Learning Organisations · Sustaining collaborative culture both within and beyond the school · Supporting growth in others · Developing and leading a culture of innovation · Accountability of self and others, including developing effective governance · Safeguarding |
Application (by 03/11/2020)
Applications are welcomed from proven senior school leaders from across Wales who believe that they demonstrate the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step.
In order to apply for this programme applicants need to have completed and recorded a Leadership Standards Review. The endorsement of a Headteacher or line manager must be based on the evidence contained in the completed LSR. The LSR will be required for regional endorsement procedures.
Please note: Application for NPQH is the expected outcome for participants in this programme.
Applications for Aspiring Headteacher Development Programme should be completed and submitted by 1pm 03/11/2020
2019-2020
CLOSING DATE: 1 O’CLOCK ON FRIDAY, 17 JANUARY 2020 [EXTENDED TO 1 O’CLOCK ON 24 JANUARY 2020]
LEADERSHIP STANDARD REVIEW [LSR]
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LSR NEEDS TO BE SUBMITTED BY 1 O’CLOCK ON 17/01/2020 [EXTENDED TO 1 O’CLOCK ON 24 JANUARY 2020], BY EMAIL TO npqh@gwenorth.wales
This one-year development programme is an exciting professional learning opportunity for experienced school leaders across Wales who wish to become head teachers in the near future. Completion of this programme is an expectation for all future NPQH applicants.
This national programme is delivered by Regional Consortia and their partners, which include Local Authorities and Higher Education Institutions. It has been endorsed by the National Academy of Educational Leadership with opportunity for accreditation in partnership with UWTSD and Bangor universities.
AUDIENCE
This programme will be available to all experienced school leaders who believe that they demonstrate attainment against the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step.
PURPOSE
The programme promotes highly effective leadership through self-evaluation and reflection, exploring the relationships between leadership, successful schools and the wider community. It will ensure equity of access to practitioners across Wales and an increase in the number of high-quality applicants for headteacher posts in schools.
Participants will undertake enriching activities that build upon previous experience to develop;
- their understanding of the role of an effective headteacher
- their skills and attributes through self-review against the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership
- their understanding and effective application of a range of leadership skills
- their collaboration skills through an effective engagement in peer networks and
- their knowledge and skills for developing their schools as learning organisations and ensuring the success of the national reform agenda
The programme will enable participants to reflect on their own professional practice and to ensure they are well prepared when applying to undertake formal assessment for the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).
| REGION | CO-ORDINATOR | CONTACT |
| CSC | Emma Coates Matthew Robbins |
Emma.coates@cscjes.org.uk matthew.robbins@cscjes.org.uk |
| EAS | Peter Jenkins Deb Woodward |
peter.jenkins@sewaleseas.org.uk deb.woodward@sewaleseas.org.uk |
| ERW | Tom Fanning Hazel Faulkner |
Tom.fanning@erw.org.uk Hazel.faulkner@erw.org.uk |
| GwE | Rhys Williams Ann Grenet |
edwardrhyswilliams@gwegogledd.cymru npqh@gwenorth.wales |
DELIVERY METHOD
The programme takes place over a one-year period and requires a commitment of the equivalent of five days between January and December.
All activities undertaken as part of this programme are delivered in Welsh, English or bilingually.
Each candidate is allocated a Leadership Coach and membership of a peer group for support throughout the programme.
| TIMELINE | ACTIVITY |
| Pre-Programme | Leadership Standards Review [LSR] |
| Application | |
| Development Module 1 – Making a Difference |
|
| Development Module 2 – Leadership [i] |
|
| Development Module 3 – Leadership [ii] |
|
| Development Module 4 – Leading Pedagogy |
|
| Development Module 5 – Effective development of the school workforce |
|
APPLICATION
Applications are welcomed from proven senior school leaders from across Wales who believe that they demonstrate the Professional Standards for Teaching & Leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step.
Applications for this programme should be endorsed by your school’s Headteacher or by your line manager following a professional discussion based on a completed Leadership Standards Review (LSR).
The closing date for submitting your application is: 1pm on 17/01/20 [EXTENDED TO 1 O’CLOCK ON 24 JANUARY 2020].
Please note: Application for NPQH is the expected outcome for participants in this programme.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
All the information sessions have now taken place.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE PRESENTATION FROM THE INFORMATION SESSIONS.
