Head teacher scheme to come

The deputy first minister will announce £4.5million training schemes for head teachers in a speech outlining the government’s vision for Scottish education.

John Swinney is expected to say a new training scheme for head teachers is open for recruitment and also announce a partnership with the Hunter Foundation to create head teacher leadership academies.

The Scottish College for Educational Leadership will run the Excellence in Headship scheme for existing head teachers, backed by £400,000 of Scottish Government funding a year for four years.

School heads will learn skills in “leading system change” and “organisational effectiveness” as part of the course, which includes an international exchange programme.

The government will

“It’s vital we invest in our head teachers”

invest £2million in the next four years along with £1million from the Hunter Foundation in the leadership academies, run by social enterprise Columba 1400.

Speaking at Queen Margaret University, Mr Swinney is expected to say: “Effective school leadership is key to the success of schools. As a result, it’s vital we invest in our head teachers and support them to deliver superb schooling for children in Scotland.

“I am delighted to announce that Excellence in Headship is now open for recruitment, backed by £1.6million of Scottish Government funding over the next four years.

“The Scottish Government, in partnership with the Hunter Foundation, will also support leadership academies, which will benefit 320 head teachers in its first year.”