Due to COVID-19 and school closures at the time of advertising , we have been unable to agree venues and dates for these courses.  Please register your interest and we will get back to you with dates and venues as soon as possible.

In response to a number of requests, we are inviting applications for a maximum of 20 places on ASPIRING HEADS. This course is designed to give participants an insight into the reality of headship by exposing them to the issues and problems that are faced on a daily basis, and how the theory of leadership actually plays out in practice. It gives those who are close to headship excellent preparation for the application and interview process, and the opportunity for those who are not sure the chance to reflect on whether this is the best pathway for them. Over ten cohorts have experienced the programme, and many South West heads are alumni.

Why choose the ASPIRING HEADS Programme?
•  Designed and delivered by highly successful leaders who have a proven track record in their fields of expertise
• Great opportunity to learn from and with other school practitioners
• The opportunity to hear and hot-seat a variety of guest headteachers
• Includes a two day placement shadowing a headteacher

Programme aims
• Focus on preparing delegates for future headship
• Gain an insight into the issues and problems facing heads on a daily basis
• Explore how the theory of leadership actually plays out in practice
• Prepare for the application and recruitment process to secure a first headship post
• Opportunity to shadow a head in another school

Content
Day 1 and Day 2 February 2021
Overnight residential

The calm and resonant surroundings of the venue for your overnight residential will be an ideal setting for reflection on the key roles and responsibilities of headship. We will cover the crucial role of the head in building the vision and creating the culture of a school. You will have the chance to hot-seat three existing heads, and quiz them on their own leadership story, the mistakes they have made, and their advice to budding heads. We will build on your theoretical knowledge of leadership, and look at how you achieve impact by the things you do – or neglect to do- through concrete actions.

Day 3 - May 2021

A day to reflect on your placements, consider what kind of school might best suit you, and discuss the application and interview process.

Shadowing
Participants will be given a one-day placement shadowing a head in another school. This is an enormous privilege and will allow you to gain an insight into how different leaders do this job.

Target Audience | Senior Leaders considering Headship

Dates | Please register your interest in this course and we will contact you once we are able to confirm dates.

Cost | TSSW Members  £395 | Other Colleagues £465 | Overnight accommodation included

Venue | TBC

Trainer| ROGER POPE, CBE
Roger is currently the strategic lead for Kingsbridge Research School, South West Teaching School Alliance and the newly designated Teaching School Hub, Teaching Schools South West. A National Leader of Education, he has had an extensive and successful career in leadership. Roger was CEO of Education South West, a Trust of six Primary, one All-Through and four Secondary schools and he was Principal of Kingsbridge Community College for 16 years. He was seconded to the DfE as Chair of the National College of Teaching and Leadership, during which time he chaired the expert group that designed the reformed NPQ programme.


Further information: Contact Sophie Rae (srae@teachingschools-sw.org.uk)