Professional development

• Equal Access to Promotion
  • Who is EAP for?
  • Programme details
  • Benefits
  • Costs
  • Apply
  • Dates and locations
  • Information sessions
  • Providers
  • Case studies
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Contact details

Equal Access to Promotion (EAP) - Frequently asked questions

1. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for this programme?

Your headteacher does not have to recommend you for this programme, but it is important to have the permission and support of your headteacher. If you feel that this may be an issue, please contact eap@nationalcollege.org.uk for further advice and support.

2. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?

Yes, applicants must have at least 4 years' and less than 12 years' middle leadership experience since gaining Qualified Teacher Status.

3. Is Equal Access To Promotion a pre-requisite for any other programme?

No, but we and the National Union of Teachers hope the programme may encourage you to undertake further CPD in the future. This may include Leadership Pathways, the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and Aspiring to Lead.

4. How ICT literate do I need to be?

The programme requires engagement in online networks; participants should be able to navigate around websites.

5. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?

There is no printable version of the application form. You must apply via the online process.

6. What happens if I miss the deadline?

If you miss the deadline, you will need to apply for the next cohort.

7. Are the number of places available restricted and, if so, is there a waiting list?

There are 160 places available from April 2011 to March 2012. Providing a participant meets the eligibility criteria, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis (taking into account the need for a representative cross-phase, cross-gender and regional balance). Once all of the places have been filled, participants will be added to a waiting list for the next cohort.

Once you have completed your online application, the form will be processed and assessed against the eligibility criteria. However, you will automatically become a member of the National College.

8. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?

During phase one, participants will be expected to carry out a self-directed school-based leadership development/reflection activity that should take approximately one day of time. Participants will also be expected to prepare a short presentation. For phase two of the programme, participants must also attend a two-day, two-night residential at the National College's Learning and Conference Centre in Nottingham. The third phase of the programme includes implementing your leadership change activity which you planned in Phase two. You will also be expected to write a brief outline of learning and outcomes for yourself and your school for publication online by the National College and NUT.

9. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?

There is no official assessment of participants on Equal Access to Promotion, but in order to complete the programme you will be required to submit an outline of learning and outcomes for yourself and your school following your leadership change activity.

10. Do I have to pay for materials?

Materials will be available online for participants to view.  Participants will need to print materials for the residential event.

11. How much does this programme cost?

Equal Access to Promotion is fully subsidised and is free to teachers who are offered places. Travel costs can be reclaimed by participants (with receipts or car mileage). All schools in which participants teach will be able to claim one day's supply cover (maximum £150), two days for small schools if cover used.

The National College defines a small school as a maintained school (or non-maintained special school) in England with 100 or fewer pupils of statutory school age (ie aged five and above). This threshold is in line with the definition of small schools used by Ofsted and the National Association of Small Schools. The number of pupils on roll should be taken from your most recent PLASC return at the time of application for the programme.

12. Can I claim for the costs of supply cover and travel when I attend the programme?

Travel costs can be reclaimed by participants (with receipts or car mileage). All schools in which participants teach will be able to claim one day's supply cover (maximum £150), two days for small schools if cover used.

13. Can the programme contribute any credit towards an MA?

Equal Access to Promotion does not contribute any credit towards an MA.