Frequently asked questions for LftM
1. Do applicants need qualified teacher status?
Applicants do not have to have qualified teacher status.
2. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for this programme?
It is important to have the permission and support of your headteacher, especially concerning funding. Please refer to the Leading from the Middle partnership statement for further information.
3. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?
Yes, your application may be considered if you are part of a collaborative that meets the eligibility criteria. Please contact your regional provider for more information about applying.
4. I do not quite meet 100 per cent of the eligibility criteria – will you still consider my application?
If you are unsure about your eligibility to embark on the programme, please contact your regional provider for guidance and advice.
5. Do I need to know who my leadership coach will be before I apply?
Yes. Once a provider has issued a formal invitation to apply for LftM, there is a 10-working-day window during which everyone in a collaborative must fully complete the online application process. Knowing who your leadership coach will be prior to filling in this form will help you meet the 10-day-deadline.
6. Who should be my coach and who decides this?
The leadership coach role is usually undertaken by an effective, experienced leader who is committed to making the programme work for the good of the participants and the school. The coach should be decided within your school.
7. I cannot identify a coach in my school. What should I do?
If you are unable to locate a coach within your school, it may be possible to work with a coach from another school within your collaborative. Your regional provider may be able to give you more guidance regarding this.
8. Can I apply by submitting a printed copy of the application form?
No. Our application process is entirely online.
9. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
The application process has changed and the programme is now geared towards accepting applications from collaborative groups. We cannot accept applications from individuals.
If you are part of a group, but not currently part of a collaborative, your provider may be able to link you with other schools in your area to make a learning group. This will depend on various circumstances in your area. Contact your regional provider to discuss if this is possible.
10. Do I have to use my local provider, or can I apply to use a provider in another area?
The National College has a strong network of regional providers experienced in delivering LftM in your area. They possess in-depth knowledge of the region and its priorities as well as having developed relationships with key stakeholders.
11. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for LftM prior to application?
Please refer to the regional providers of LftM for details of taster sessions in your area.
12. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?
The programme takes place over a 10 to 12 month period. As LftM is a blended-learning programme, learning will take place through a combination of face-to-face sessions, online activities and school-based activity. On average we advise a minimum of one to two hours online activity per week for middle leader participants. As a self-directed development programme, you will find that the more energy and commitment invested in the programme, the greater the rewards.
13. How many out of school days are there?
During the programme each participant will attend three full days of face-to-face training and two twilight sessions.
14. Do I have to attend all sessions in order to be recognised as having completed the programme?
Yes. It is important that the group of participants attend the face-to-face events together in order to gain maximum benefit from the programme. This means that the group of middle leaders will be out of school on the same day. This attendance is one of the completion criteria that needs to be met in order to be recognised as having completed the programme and to receive a completion certificate.
15. What support is available throughout the programme?
You will have your in-school coach to support you throughout your learning in addition to a facilitator and a regional talk2learn community.
16. Are there any assessed activities or pieces
Although there are no formally assessed pieces of work as part of the programme, the opportunity exists for professional recognition for participants as a result of completing the programme. Further details can be found in the Professional development frequently asked questions below.
17. Where will the face-to-face training take place?
Training is delivered locally within the nine government regions. Venues are organised by regional providers in order to be as convenient as possible. Please contact your regional provider for further information.
18. What are the online programme materials?
LftM participants and leadership coaches will access online resources such as Learn to Lead and the Virtual School. The online diagnostic activities will help participants understand their leadership strengths, team effectiveness and personal style preferences. Online learning is also a social activity whereby participants can engage with other participants in their region in online communities.
19. How do I access the online communities and materials?
Upon successful registration to the programme you will be issued with a welcome pack which includes full details of resources available and information on how to access them.
20. Do I have to use the online facilities?
Yes. The online tools are a core element of the programme. They form part of a blended approach to learning that includes both online and face-to-face elements as well as practical school-based activities.
21. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?
You can contact our help desk on 0845 609 0009 or at enquiries@nationalcollege.org.uk.
22. Do I have to pay for materials?
For National College subsidised places, there are no extra costs for materials.
23. Is there a qualification?
There is no formal assessment within LftM so you will not receive a qualification. However, all participants who complete the programme receive a certificate of completion.
24. Can the LftM programme contribute any credit towards an MA?
If you are a participant on LftM and are also undertaking, or planning to undertake, a relevant Master's degree, you may be able to receive accreditation for your work.
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