1. Who should attend the Head for the Future (HftF) programme?
Any headteacher with more than three years' experience is eligible to apply.
2. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?
Yes - all applicants should be headteachers with more than three years' experience.
3. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?
We would suggest that, as the programme focuses on delivering change within the school, participants will obtain most benefit by being in a post that allows them to apply what they have learned.
However, we are happy to consider applications from any headteacher with more than three years' experience who is either actively engaged in headship or seeking to return to the role. If you are not currently working in a school, we will consider your application on its individual merits but you will be liable for the full cost of the programme, ie £2,500.
4. I do not quite meet 100 per cent of the eligibility criteria – will you still consider my application?
We will consider your application on its individual merits and would ask you to include as much information as possible on your application form to allow us to do this. Alternatively, please contact your regional provider to discuss your circumstances.
5. Are there any pre-requisite programmes I must complete before I can do the HftF programme?
No. Please refer to our Eligibility criteria.
6. Is the HftF programme a pre-requisite for any other programmes?
No.
7. I’m not sure this is the right programme for me. Who can advise me?
Please feel free to contact our helpdesk on 0845 601 3032 or send an email to ncsl.support@bt.com. Alternatively, contact your provider for further information and guidance.
8. How ICT literate do I need to be?
Elements of the programme are delivered via NCSL's Learning Gateway and talk2learn community so you need to be familiar with using the internet and navigating websites. You will be provided with guidance and support on doing this but it would be helpful if you are already registered with NCSL's Learning Gateway when you apply. Find out more about how to join the Learning Gateway.
9. I have completed the Leadership Programme for Serving Headteachers (LPSH). Am I still eligible to apply for Head for the Future?
Yes. Although Head for the Future builds on the best of LPSH, the programme has been revised to directly tackle emerging challenges to school leadership, particularly the need to collaborate with other schools and agencies. The programme is open to past participants of LPSH. For more information, please contact your provider.
1. How do I apply?
Please go to our how to apply section for more information.
2. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
No. All applications must be made online.
3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?
No. All applications must be made online.
4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
Yes. For group applications, please contact your regional provider.
5. Can I apply for any of the listed national programmes, or am I restricted to the venues that are supplied by the delivery provider for my area?
You can apply for any of the available national programmes. Please contact the provider for the venue you wish to apply for and they will be able to advise you further.
6. When does the next application round begin?
Please see the dates and locations page for our next available intake.
7. Is the number of places available restricted and if so, is there a waiting list?
Providers make every effort to ensure participants are secured a place on their first or second choice programmes. If neither is available then a provider will contact you to discuss an alternative.
8. I would like to work with a colleague headteacher, is this possible?
There is a section on the application form where you are able to specify any additional requirements. If you would like to be allocated to a programme with a particular colleague, please state this on the application form. Your relevant provider will contact you to confirm details. Alternatively please contact your regional provider to discuss.
9. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for HftF prior to application?
Yes. Find out the dates for our taster sessions.
10. What will happen if neither my first or second choice programmes are available?
Providers make every effort to ensure participants are secured a place on their first or second choice programmes. If neither is available then a provider will contact you to discuss an alternative.
11. I can not stay overnight can I still come to the three-day residential event?
It is important that participants attend all activities. Head for the Future is very challenging and there is evening work and opportunity to reflect with the support of the facilitators. If you are not able to stay overnight, please contact your provider.
1. How long is the programme? How many residential days are there?
Head for the Future takes place over 12 months and comprises two residential events. Please see the programme structure for full details of time commitments for this programme.
2. Do I have to attend all sessions?
Yes. A key part of the programme is collaborative learning with colleague headteachers. On application you are committing to work with other headteachers and to attend and participate in all aspects of the programme. Please ensure upon registration that you are able to attend the workshop session (please see dates and locations). If you are unable to attend the workshop, please contact your provider as soon as possible.
3. What support is available throughout the programme?
You will be supported by a number of dedicated facilitators over the course of the programme, together with your provider administrator and programme manager, the NCSL helpdesk and your peer development group.
4. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?
No
1. How do I access the online communities and materials?
You will be granted access to the dedicated Head for the Future section of the Learning Gateway and talk2learn once you have been accepted onto the programme. Your joining instructions will give further details.
2. Do I have to use the online facilities?
Three of the five programme phases take place in school, so support, tools and resources can be most conveniently accessed online. Similarly, the Learning Gateway also provides an opportunity for you to engage with fellow participants in talk2learn. This takes the form of a national forum for all programme participants, and a dedicated forum for individuals who will meet in person during the programme. Use of these facilities is not compulsory, but participants may not gain the full benefit from the programme if they do not use them at some stage.
3. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?
You can contact the NCSL helpdesk on 0845 601 3032
4. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?
Yes, your facilitators will engage with your group at key points throughout the programme and a provider programme manager will be continually monitoring the national community to respond to queries and facilitate discussion.
1. How much does this programme cost?
Please see the cost section.
2. What is the policy for charging, supply cover and travel for small schools?
Please see the cost section.
3. What is the charging policy for independent and overseas schools?
There is no subsidy available to independent schools and therefore a programme fee of £2,500 in applicable. Overseas schools are treated as independent schools for the purpose of this programme. For further details please refer to the cost section.
4. I wish to withdraw from the programme. Will I incur any costs?
If you wish to withdraw from the Head for the Future programme please contact your provider in writing. A cancellation charge may be applicable.
1. I have been asked to complete a questionnaire about the headteacher in my school. How will you ensure confidentiality?
How will the questionnaires will be used and for what purpose? The questionnaire you have been asked to complete is an integral part of Head for the Future. It is designed to provide the headteacher detailed feedback about his/her professional characteristics, leadership styles and school climate
Headteachers will at no time have direct access to the answers provided by their colleagues. The data is reported to the headteacher in an aggregated form and summarised using graphs and tables that do not reveal individual answers. The data reports are then the property of the headteacher; no other copies exist.
2. Can I view the questionnaires that my colleagues have completed?
No, you can only view and print off your own questionnaire. All other questionnaires are confidential.
3. Is there reimbursement for completing the questionnaires?
No, NCSL will not reimburse headteachers or raters for completing the questionnaires.
4. Do I have to complete the questionnaires within 90 minutes?
No, these are designed to take 90 minutes in total but you can take as long as you wish. You do not have to complete the questionnaire in one sitting as there are regular save points.
5. Can I check the progress of my staff in completing the questionnaires?
Yes, there will be an icon by their name informing you of the status of their questionnaires. Please encourage them to complete the questionnaires or offer to help them if they are experiencing any technical problems. Alternatively, if these cannot be resolved, please contact the helpdesk. Each provider I am anxious about the feedback from the questionnaires - what if it is bad?
It is quite natural to feel anxious about receiving feedback. It can be surprising, challenging or affirming. Headteachers are encouraged not to make judgements like 'bad' or 'good'. It is designed to give true feedback and indicate ways to improve your leadership style. Throughout the programme participants are given encouragement and support by their peers and work in co-coaching groups to understand the feedback. Facilitators are experienced in assisting participants with feedback and are available for discussion in one-to-one sessions.
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