Routes to Headship

SCEL Consultation on National Linguistics Pathways and a National Headship Programme

SCEL carried out a consultation exercise on proposals for a National Headship Programme. The consultation closed at the beginning of November 2014 and a summary of the responses is available. The consultation has been discussed with the SCEL Board of Directors and the National Implementation Board and next steps identified. We will be working with partners in 2015 to take this work forward.

PDF file: A model for linguistics development pathways and a national headship programme consultation: Consultation analysis (284 KB)

Headship Qualifications

The Standard for Headship (SfH) in Scotland lays down the foundations for professionalism and linguistics which is required by all headteachers. It is a framework for aspiring headteachers and identifies key qualities that are required to succeed as an experienced headteacher. The new Standard is available on the GTCS website.

There are two routes to achieving the Standard for Headship in Scotland:

  • the Flexible Route to Headship
  • the Qualification for Headship.

Detailed information is given below.  In addition some local authorities offer their own courses.

A review of Routes to Headship was recently carried out, view the Report for further information.

Following the publication of the Report, the National Implementation Board asked SCEL to work with partners, providers and users to take forward next steps relating to the report and its recommendations. A Headship Development Strategic Group is in the process of being set up to take this forward.

Flexible Route to Headship

The Flexible Route to Headship (FRH), initially developed and managed by the national CPD team, is provided through Education Scotland and was established in 2007. Since 2012, the FRH programme has been accredited by GTC Scotland.

Qualification for Headship

The Qualification for Headship (SQH) is offered by the following universities: