Brentwood Diocesan Secondary Heads' Association

Leadership Training Programme

NOTES TO ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION FORM

BACKGROUND

The Association (BDSHA) and the Diocesan Education Department are developing a new Leadership Training Programme (the Scheme) for all teachers who aspire to advance towards Headship or a senior leadership position in Catholic secondary schools. The Scheme is coordinated by Frank Keenan, Professional Officer to the BDSHA, on behalf of both the Association and of Mgr. George Stokes, Director of Education for the Diocese. An outline of the intended Scheme is attached. A lot of work has recently taken place with the National College of School Leadership (NCSL), the Eastern Leadership Centre (ELC) and other Diocesan organisations.

REGISTRATION

This is seen by BDSHA as a vital part of the Scheme. There has never been a Scheme of this nature in the Diocese, nor a working list of potential leaders in our schools. The Scheme is open to ALL qualified teachers in member schools of the BDSHA whatever their position on the professional ladder, from young to old, from inexperienced teachers to serving Heads, and also to Catholic teachers currently working in non-Catholic schools. Teachers who register will have their names on the new database, which will be secure and confidential. The Scheme outline explains the various levels at which the Programme will operate. The aim is to arrange a separate initial meeting for each of the levels and then to keep in touch with all those who register. In this way, we hope to maintain an up-to-date list of all who are interested in, and preparing for, leadership in our schools. This is an evolving scheme, and represents an excellent opportunity for everyone to be involved in the early stages of developing this new initiative.

The courses currently offered by the Diocese, Aspiring Heads and Aspiring Deputies, are under review.

Please note particularly that participation in this Scheme must be seen as an addition to, and in no way as a replacement for, your CPD programme at your school. Responsibility for the advancement of one’s career belongs first and foremost to the individual. There will be some areas of career development that concern both the school and the Diocese. Indeed, part of the reason for launching the Scheme is to “contextualise” the accredited NCSL and ELC programmes for Catholic school leaders.

THE REGISTRATION FORM

You can only complete the form online. Please read through the blank form before completing the actual form online (click here to view the blank form). The information will be submitted directly to Frank Keenan. Please complete all sections and make sure that your Head knows that you are ticking the box at the end of the form denoting his/her agreement. You should print a copy of each page as you go for your own records.  In all cases, you will receive an acknowledgement and, in due course, an invitation to the first meeting of your group. We currently envisage three levels prior to Headship: post QTS, (i.e. early years of teaching); middle leaders aspiring to Assistant or Deputy Headship; senior leaders aspiring to Headship. Your name will be added to the Diocesan list of aspiring leaders, which will be regularly updated. Please note that returning a completed form will be taken as your authorisation to add your name to the database.