Into Headship (with Standard for Headship) (PgCert)

The programme aims to inspire participants to critically reflect on their own leadership and management practices. Teaching and learning activities include: 

• workshops
• seminars
• problem-based learning activities
• peer group learning
• one-to-one meetings.

Participation involves a significant personal and professional challenge. The programme makes demands on the time of busy people with a heavy set of responsibilities. It will only be worthwhile if participants make the commitment to grow, develop and learn through the programme.

Programme participants must complete two courses for a total of 60 credits to receive a Postgraduate Certificate in Into Headship. Further information about the courses can be found under the Into Headship heading on the Degree Programme Table. 

The specific aims of the programme are to:

• foster a future-orientated strategic stance to initiate and lead change for improvement through engagement with the full school community
• build and apply sound knowledge and understanding of strategic leadership and management theories and practices in the context of the role of the headteacher
• develop an understanding of the place of values in leading a school community and explore ways of addressing some of the challenges this poses
• develop practice in the use of critical enquiry and reflection to evaluate and strengthen the impact of your practices on the school community
• Enhance interpersonal and personal skills, confidence and resilience for those preparing to move into headship

The application process is done through your Local Authority co-ordinator.

Local Authority co-ordinators:

• City of Edinburgh: Mhari-Louise Teden (Mhari-Louise.Teden@edinburgh.gov.uk)
• Fife: Lesley Henderson (Lesley.Henderson-edu@fife.gov.uk)
• Midlothian: Julie Prentice (j.prentice@midlothian.education)
• Scottish Borders: Caroline Howieson/Susanne Liddle (CLPL@scotborders.gov.uk)
• East Lothian: Louise Graham (lgraham3@eastlothian.gov.uk)
• West Lothian: Emma Ballantyne (wlpl@westlothian.org.uk)

The PG Certificate Into Headship is fully funded by Scottish Government for GTCS-registered teachers in Scotland.

SCIS - please apply directly to Education Scotland. 

Education Scotland

Once your place is confirmed by your local authority or Education Scotland, please complete your application to the University of Edinburgh to enrol.

For any other enquiries, please contact the Teacher Education Partnerships team.