As reported in TES Cymru, recruitment for the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) has been frozen until a major revamp of the course has been completed following concerns that it is failing to deliver appropriate training. The Assembly government said a new NPQH will be piloted from the autumn, but has not specified when the revised qualification will be ready.
The move follows sustained criticism of the two-year programme - described by schools inspectorate Estyn as “ineffective” and “outdated” - since became mandatory in 2005. While the overhaul has been welcomed by teaching unions, concerns have been raised that without an immediate replacement the supply of heads could be damaged.
Gareth Jones, secretary of ASCL Cymru, said: “The NPQH has needed revision for some time, not just in content but in who is accepted on the programme."
“There’s a potential gap in NPQH recruitment of 12 months. We would have concerns if that was extended any longer.”
“It’s absolutely crucial to the future of education in Wales that we properly invest in leadership development,” said Mr Jones.
Iwan Guy, acting director of NAHT Cymru, said: “Heads are already very concerned that there’s no money for leadership training.”
Visit the attached link to the TES Cymru website for the full story
