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About succession planning

About succession planning

Succession planning is about identifying and developing the leaders of tomorrow. These pages provide support and advice to schools, local authorities and governors around developing talent, as well as advice and a range of materials for those aspiring to leadership.

  • Why succession planning matters

    The involvement of all parts of the education system in planning for leadership succession will ensure that an increasing number of candidates will be available to take up a headship role; and that those leaders who emerge are equipped with the skills necessary for modern headship.

  • The case for action

    Significant numbers of headteachers are retiring every year and this trend is expected to continue. About one-quarter of assistant and deputy heads are aged 55 or over.

  • What we know about succession planning

    After a successful pilot phase in 2006–07 involving 10 local authorities, the succession planning initiative was rolled out to all local authorities from September 2007.

  • Framework for action

    Drawing on the experience of its succession planning consultants, leaders and further research, the National College has drawn up a framework for action on succession planning.

  • Building collaboration in schools

    Partnerships are essential to succession planning. In addition to shared expertise and support, they offer future leaders the breadth of development and experience that they need to excel.

Publications

More related publications

Interactive resources
  • Headship round the table
    National College resources: These audio clips present a discussion about the challenges and opportunities surrounding headship.
  • Keeping the faith
    National College resources: In these audio clips, education leaders from the faith sector discuss how they are planning for succession.
  • Leadership matters
    National College resources: In this audio clip, David Bell explains why school leadership is a priority
  • Planning ahead for succession
    National College resources: In this video presentation, a governor of a community college discusses how to plan for succession.
  • Diagnosing the need
    National College resources: This video presentation looks at the data that Sandwell local authority has been using as part of the National College's succession planning pilot project.

More related interactive resources

Articles
  • Why succession planning matters
    National College resources that advocate that planning for the recruitment, development and retention of headteachers is essential and must involve current headteachers, governors and colleagues from local authorities.
  • What we know about succession planning
    National College resources: after a successful pilot phase in 2006-07, involving 10 local authorities, the succession planning initiative was rolled out to all local authorities from September 2007. These resources summarise work to date
  • The case for action
    National College resources: there is a risk that there will be a possible shortfall in the number of headteachers over the next five years. The National College will continue to support schools and local authorities in taking effective action to reduce this risk.
  • Framework for action
    National College resources: drawing on the experience of its succession planning consultants and leaders - and further research - the National College has drawn up a framework for action on succession planning.
  • Building collaboration in schools
    National College resources: partnerships are essential to succession planning; in addition to shared expertise and support, they offer future leaders the breadth of development and experience they need to excel. These resources provide guidance.