Headteachers to be trained on extra responsibilities

Planned mandatory qualifications for Scottish headteachers will give them the skills needed to take on new devolved responsibilities, Education Secretary John Swinney has said.

Marking the publication of draft regulations for the new Standard of Headship, which will be awarded by the General Teaching Council of Scotland, Swinney said it would feed directly into plans to devolve more decision making to schools.

The details of the qualification will now be consulted on until March, and it is expected all headteachers will be required to have the new qualification by 2019.

The course will be managed by the Scottish College for Educational Leadership.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Effective leadership is one of the most important aspects of the success of any school. Highly skilled, empowered leaders will help ensure the highest quality of learning and teaching, which makes a direct difference to young people and society.

“Strengthening professional leadership was a key recommendation of the OECD’s independent review of Scottish education and the changes we are proposing in this consultation will do just that.

“Making the Standard of Headship mandatory will ensure head teachers of the future have the leadership skills and support they need to grasp the opportunities of increased devolution in education system currently being discussed as part of our governance review.

“At the same time, our proposed changes will give education authorities flexibility to deal with an individual local circumstances, particularly in relation to temporary appointments.

“I urge everyone with an interest in this matter to have their say before the consultation closes on 20 March 2017.”