If you have any queries that are not answered here, please contact your regional provider.
1. Who should attend the Leadership Pathways programme?
Leadership Pathways is aimed at senior leaders or those aspiring to a senior leadership position in the next one to two years:
(25kb, 1 page) for more details)2. Will Fast Track teachers have access to the programme?
Leadership Pathways can be completed whilst participating in Fast Track Teaching. Fast Track teachers who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply to Leadership Pathways, however there will be no further funding available specifically for Fast Track teachers.
3. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?
No. Applicants do not have to have Qualified Teacher Status.
4. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for this programme?
It is important to have the permission and support of your headteacher, especially concerning funding. Please refer to the additional information regarding what is required of senior school leaders.
5. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?
Applications from those not currently working in school will be considered. However, only school leaders currently working in a school are eligible for NCSL subsidy. If you do not currently work in a school and are interested in Leadership Pathways, please contact your regional delivery provider to discuss whether the programme is suitable and what cost will apply.
Your regional provider will be able to advise you further.
No, although you may gain more from the programme if you have previous experience of leadership development at a middle leadership level.
No. Completing the Leadership Pathways programme does not provide automatic access to <abbr>NPQH</abbr> but does enable you to gather evidence for application to that programme.
The NPQH application process looks for evidence of whole-school leadership and management, ideally within the last three years, in relation to the key areas of the National Standards for Headteachers. Therefore NPQH applicants may wish to draw from activity they have undertaken in relation to Leadership Pathways or any other programme if they feel this is appropriate. Please refer to the eligibility criteria for each of the programmes:
9. I'm not sure this is the right programme for me. Who can advise me?
Your regional provider will be able to advise you further.
10. How ICT literate do I need to be?
The programme contains a number of online learning modules. Participants should therefore be able to navigate around websites.
11. I need more information about eligibility for the programme. Where can I get this?
Please contact your regional provider.
12. How many places are available on the programme?
There are up to 3,000 places available in the 2008–09 financial year. These will be distributed regionally, according to school numbers.
Please see the how to apply page for further details.
2. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
There is currently no printable version of the application form. Unlike NPQH, much of the information required is personal for the purpose of registration, so it is unlikely that you will need to prepare answers to questions. If you wish to print the online application form, you will need to access the normal print function in the file menu as for other web documents.
3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?
There is currently no printable version of the application form.
4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
Leadership Pathways encourages both individual and group applications. If you are in a small school of 100 pupils or fewer, you can form a group across multiple local schools.
Groups can be between three and ten in size, which includes one in-school coach. Group applications require there to be a leader who is responsible for ensuring all group members' details are complete - either by completing the details on behalf of the group members, or by using the email features in the registration form to collect the information.
Not applicable.
6. When does the next application round begin?
See the How to apply page for current information. In some areas, additional start dates are offered. Contact your regional provider for further information on the next cohort of Leadership Pathways.
7. When is the deadline for submitting applications to the programme?
See the How to apply page for current information.
8. What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you miss the deadline, or if your application remains incomplete 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?
Any application limitations will be included on the Leadership Pathways home page.
10. I would like to work with a colleague headteacher. Is this possible?
We welcome group applications on the Leadership Pathways programme. Please contact your regional provider for further information.
Once your application has been received, it will go through the registration process, and your provider will contact you four to five weeks after the closing date to inform you of the outcome. Your application will not go through an assessment process; places are given on a first come first served basis.
12. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for the programme prior to applying?
Any taster sessions or briefings will be determined by your provider. Please contact your provider for further details.
13. Can I apply as a single middle leader?
All applicants must nominate an in-school coach. NCSL strongly recommends you nominate a coach who you have close working links with as your application will not be complete without a coach assigned to you. Your application cannot be processed until a coach is assigned.
1. Do I need to know who my leadership coach will be before I apply?
Your application will not be complete until you have a coach assigned to you. NCSL strongly suggest that you identify a coach as you go through the application process as it is more beneficial for you to have someone who will be able to support you, who may be in your own or a neighbouring school and who acts from a position of some knowledge about your particular context and individual needs.
2. Who should be my coach and who decides this?
Your coach should be a member of the leadership team within your school. You are responsible for nominating your coach. Your application will remain incomplete until your coach has completed an application.
3. What does the role of the in-school coach involve?
See the role of the in-school coach.
There is a one-day workshop for coaches aimed at preparing them for participant support. The coach will also be required to attend half of Core Day 3. A minimum of six coaching sessions are proposed over a year between a participant and their nominated coach.
5. Can my coach be someone from the senior management team?
Yes, they can be from the senior management team.
1. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?
This is a flexible learning programme, which can be completed over one year.
2. How long is the programme? How many residential days are there?
See above. The programme consists of up to five face-to-face days. It is anticipated that participants will require one to four hours study time per week. You may choose up to 16 online units and each unit is equivalent to seven hours of study. However, as you will appreciate, people work at different rates. Therefore how long a unit takes to complete depends upon the individual and this is only a rough guide.
3. Do I have to attend all sessions?
Participants must attend all core days and the minimum of two skill days. Please refer to the completion criteria for further information.
4. What support is available throughout the programme?
You will have your in-school coach to support you throughout your learning. You will also have access to a leadership mentor and a regional talk2learn community.
5. 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 success, you will receive a talk2learn username and password approximately two–four weeks afterwards. Instructions will also be provided with your username and password, detailing how to access online materials. Handbooks for the programme will be issued at your first face-to-face event.
2. Do I have to use online facilities?
Access to the internet will be required for the completion of online units.
3. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?
You can contact the NCSL help desk on 0845 609 0009 or send an email to enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
4. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?
Yes, facilitators will be available for support. For all technical issues, applicants should contact the NCSL help desk on 0845 6609 0009 or at enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
5. Do I have to pay for materials?
No. There is now extra cost for materials used on the programme.
1. How much does this programme cost?
Please visit the Cost section for up to date information.
2. Are there any grants available?
NCSL subsidises the cost of the programme only for those that are eligible.
3. Can I claim for the costs of supply cover and travel when I attend the programme?
If you are a small school within England, you are eligible for a small school allowance.
Our definition of a small school is a maintained school (or non-maintained special school) in England with 100 or fewer pupils of statutory school age (ie aged five and above).
4. What is the policy for charging, supply cover and travel for small schools?
See above.
5. What is the charging policy for independent and overseas schools?
You will need to contact the programme provider in your area to find out the cost for independent schools. No subsidy is available for applicants outside England.
1. Can the programme contribute any credit towards an MA?
It is envisaged that the programme will contribute some credit towards an MA. Currently participants are advised to discuss this with their chosen Higher Education Institution (HEI).
2. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?
Yes there is the opportunity to enrol with the Teacher Learning Academy and submit evidence of your learning for professional recognition. If you are a participant on the Leadership Pathways programme and are also undertaking, or planning to undertake, a relevant Master's degree, you may be able to receive accreditation for your work.
3. How can I become a facilitator on the programme?
Please contact your regional provider.
4. Are there any other related opportunities available to me?
The following NCSL programmes may also be of interest to you:
5. Are you training any tutors for Leadership Pathways?
Please contact your local provider for information on vacancies.
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