Frequently asked questions for Leadership Pathways

Questions

Answers

1. Can I apply if I do not have qualified teacher status (QTS)?

Yes - as long as you are currently in a leadership role in an educational establishment, for example working as a school business manager.

2. Can I apply if I do not currently work in a school?

Yes - contact the programme provider in your region to discuss whether it's suitable for you and how much it will cost.

3. Is Leadership Pathways a prerequisite for any other programmes, such as the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)?

No - completing Leadership Pathways does not provide automatic access to NPQH but does enable you to gather evidence for application to that programme. The NPQH application process looks for evidence of whole-school leadership and management, ideally within the last three years, in relation to the key areas of the National Standards for Headteachers. Therefore, NPQH applicants may wish to draw from activity they have undertaken in relation to Leadership Pathways or any other programme if they feel this is appropriate.

4. Will there be any briefings or information sessions for the programme prior to applying?

Contact the programme provider in your region to find out if they are running any briefing or information sessions.

5. Who should be my coach and who decides this?

You are responsible for nominating your coach. Please review our guidance on the role of the coach to help you decide who this should be.

6. Do I need to know who my coach will be before I apply?

Yes, your application will remain incomplete until your coach has completed the application. Find out more about the role of the coach.

7. What if I can't nominate a coach?

You cannot apply for the programme if you are unable to nominate a coach.

8. Once I have completed the online application for the programme do I have to undergo further assessment?

Once your application has been received, it will go through a registration process and your chosen programme provider will contact you during August 2011 to inform you of the outcome. Your application will not go through an assessment process; places are allocated according to the priority criteria (75 per cent of places are reserved for senior leadership team members and the remaining 25 per cent for those aspiring to senior leadership team roles).

9. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?

If you meet the completion criteria for the programme you will receive a certificate recognising this achievement (see Programme details). If you are undertaking, or planning to undertake, a relevant Master's degree, you may be able to receive accreditation for the work completed during the programme, although you may be asked to complete an additional piece of work prior to entry. We recommend that you contact the relevant Higher Education Institute to discuss whether they will allocate Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points for your learning on the programme.

10. How computer literate do I need to be to complete the programme?

You should be familiar and comfortable with using a computer and the internet, and have access to a computer.