1. Who should attend the Equal Access To Promotion programme?
Equal Access to Promotion (EAP) is targeted at black and minority ethnic (BME) teachers in middle leadership roles who are looking for more senior leadership roles and responsibilities. Participants will typically have between four to nine years' of teaching experience and will not have participated in previous EAP programmes. Participants may have current or previous experience of NCSL's Leadership Pathways, Leading from the Middle or the National Union of Teachers' (NUT) Continuing Professional Development's 'Aspiring to Lead'.
2. Will Fast Track teachers have access to the programme?
If Fast Track teachers meet the eligibility criteria they may apply for EAP. They should discuss the suitability of the programme with their mentor prior to application.
3. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?
Yes, applicants must have Qualified Teacher Status.
4. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for this programme?
Your headteacher does not have to recommend you for this programme, but it is important to have the permission and support of your headteacher. If you feel that this may be an issue, please contact eap@ncsl.org.uk for further advice and support.
5. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?
The College only subsidises school leaders and, currently, only school leaders are eligible.
You must meet the eligibility criteria in full in order to participate on EAP.
7. Are there any pre-requisite programmes I must complete before I can do the programme?
No, but participants may have current or previous experience of NCSL's Leadership Pathways, Leading from the Middle or NUT's Continuing Professional Development's 'Aspiring to Lead'.
8. Is Equal Access To Promotion a pre-requisite for any other programmes?
No, but we hope the programme may encourage you to undertake Leadership Pathways in the future if you are not already doing so.
9. I'm not sure this is the right programme for me. Who can advise me?
Please email eap@ncsl.org.uk with details of your concerns and for further advice on whether you should apply.
10. How ICT literate do I need to be?
There is no specific online learning element to the programme, although by applying you will automatically receive access to the College's Learning Gateway and talk2learn online community.
11. I need more information about eligibility for the programme. Where can I get this?
The eligibility criteria for the programme are clearly outlined above under the question 'Who should attend the Equal Access To Promotion programme?'
Please see the how to apply page for further details.
2. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
There is no printable version of the application form. You must apply via the online process.
3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?
There is no printable version of the application form. You must apply via the online process.
4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
You can only apply to this programme as an individual.
EAP is delivered through a single national provider, so there are no regional delivery providers.
6. When does the next application round begin?
Application is open now, and there will be further application rounds in 2008 (exact dates to be confirmed).
7. When is the deadline for submitting applications to the programme?
The deadline for applying for the first cohort of EAP is the end of January 2008.
8. What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you miss the deadline you will need to apply for the next cohort.
9. Is the number of places available restricted and, if so, is there a waiting list?
There are a restricted number of places available for the programme. Providing a participant meets the eligibility criteria, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis (bearing in mind the need for a representative cross-phase, cross-gender balance). Once all of the places have been filled, participants will be added to a waiting list for the next cohort.
10. I would like to work with a colleague headteacher. Is this possible?
EAP is not a suitable programme for headteachers to undertake.
Once you have completed your online application, the form will be processed and assessed against the eligibility criteria. However, you will be automatically registered for NCSL's Learning Gateway and talk2learn online community.
12. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for the programme prior to application?
No, there are no briefings for taster sessions for EAP.
1. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?
During phase one, participants will be expected to carry out a self-directed school-based leadership development/reflection activity that should take approximately one day's equivalent time contribution. Participants will also be expected to prepare a short presentation. For phase two of the programme, participants must also attend a two-day, one-night residential at NCSL's Learning and Conference Centre in Nottingham. The third phase of the programme includes implementing your leadership change activity planned in Phase two and writing a brief outline of learning and outcomes for yourself and your school for publication online by NCSL and NUT.
2. How long is the programme? How many residential days are there?
The phases of the programme are spread over a length of approximately three to four months, with a two-day, one-night residential element included.
3. Do I have to attend all sessions?
Participants must complete all phases of the programme, including attending the residential forum experience in Nottingham.
4. What support is available throughout the programme?
Participants will receive support from the facilitators and consultant headteachers who deliver the programme.
5. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?
There is no official assessment of participants on EAP, but in order to complete the programme you will be required to submit an outline of learning and outcomes for yourself and your school following your leadership change activity.
6. What other programmes, events or resources are available to me in this area?
The following NCSL programmes may also be of interest to you:
1. How do I access the online communities and materials?
Once you have been notified of your successful application, you will receive a talk2learn username and password approximately two to four weeks afterwards. Instructions will also be provided with your username and password, detailing how to access the Learning Gateway and talk2learn. However, there are no specific online materials for this programme.
2. Do I have to use online facilities?
You do not have to use online facilities to participate in or complete the programme.
3. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?
You can contact the NCSL helpdesk on 0845 609 0009 or send an email to enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
4. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?
Facilitators will not be able to help with any technical issues you encounter. Instead, applicants should contact the NCSL helpdesk on 0845 609 0009 or at enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
5. Do I have to pay for materials?
There is no extra cost for the materials used on the programme.
1. How much does this programme cost?
EAP is fully subsidised and is free to teachers in the target audience who are offered places. Travel costs can be reclaimed by participants (with receipts or car mileage). All schools in which participants teach will be able to claim one day's supply cover (maximum £150), two days for small schools if cover used.
NCSL defines a small school as a maintained school (or non-maintained special school) in England with 100 or fewer pupils of statutory school age (ie aged five and above). This threshold is in line with the definition of small schools used by Ofsted and the National Association of Small Schools. The number of pupils on roll should be taken from your most recent PLASC return at the time of application for the programme.
2. Are there any grants available?
The cost of the programme is subsidised only for those that are eligible.
3. Can I claim for the costs of supply cover and travel when I attend the programme?
Travel costs can be reclaimed by participants (with receipts or car mileage). All schools in which participants teach will be able to claim one day's supply cover (maximum £150), two days for small schools if cover used.
4. What is the policy for charging, supply cover and travel for small schools?
Travel costs can be reclaimed by participants (with receipts or car mileage). All schools in which participants teach will be able to claim one day's supply cover (maximum £150), two days for small schools if cover used.
NCSL defines a small school as a maintained school (or non-maintained special school) in England with 100 or fewer pupils of statutory school age (ie aged five and above). This threshold is in line with the definition of small schools used by Ofsted and the National Association of Small Schools. The number of pupils on roll should be taken from your most recent PLASC return at the time of application for the programme.
5. What is the charging policy for independent and overseas schools?
Teachers from independent and overseas schools are not able to apply to the programme at present.
1. Can the programme contribute any credit towards an MA?
EAP does not contribute any credit towards an MA.
2. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?
Participants who fully complete the programme will be considered Equal Access to Promotion graduates and will receive a certificate.
Participants will also be encouraged to seek the General Teaching Council's Teacher Learning Academy Stage 2 or 3 (as appropriate) and are expected to submit with a written report on their study to NUT/NCSL to contribute to professional knowledge about leadership. Reports will be published on the NCSL and NUT's website.
3. How can I become a facilitator on this programme?
Please contact the single national provider for EAP – London Centre for Leadership and Learning.
4. Are there any other related opportunities available to me?
The following NCSL programmes may also be of interest to you:
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