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Inspiring new leaders

The College’s succession planning strategy has supported the recruitment and retention of headteachers.

Identifying, inspiring and developing future leaders to sustain the supply of talent

The College’s succession planning strategy has supported all local authorities in developing their own local solutions to the recruitment and retention of headteachers. Despite headteacher retirements over the last two years remaining high, the number of headship vacancies has remained stable. The proportion of headship posts that are temporarily filled reduced from 2.7 per cent in 2009 to 2.5 per cent in 2010, compared to our target of 3.2 per cent.

A figure of 98.4 per cent of local authorities think the strategy has made a measurable impact in tackling their local succession challenge.

Aspiration to headship was investigated in an independent annual survey of school leaders in 2011 and showed:

  • 56 per cent of all leaders surveyed aspire to headship
  • 44 per cent of middle leaders aspire to headship
  • 52 per cent of female leaders aspire to headship

The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) prepares individuals for the demands of a headship role and is underpinned by the National Standards for Headteachers.

  • By February 2010, over 29,000 aspiring headteachers had graduated from the National College’s NPQH programme.
  • 35 per cent of maintained schools are now led by an NPQH graduate.
  • Since February 2010, 1,190 individuals have graduated and achieved the qualification (as of 31 March 2010).

The National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL) is the first national programme to address the needs of leaders within the multi-agency, early years setting. By May 2011, over 2,200 children's centre leaders had graduated from the programme.

  • 99 per cent of NPQICL participants provided evidence that their leadership has had a positive impact on children and families.
  • 88 per cent of children's centre leaders believe that the College has had a positive impact on the lives of children and young people.

For more information on anything on this page please email impact@nationalcollege.org.uk.