Aspirant Headteachers Programme
The new SSAT Aspirant Headteacher programme provides high-quality preparation for headship, equipping school leaders with practical training and support from experienced headteachers.
Start date
TBC
Format
Three online modules and three in-person events
Need more information? Get in touch or call 020 7802 0955
Are you a senior leader considering headship? Do you want to understand more about the role and be better prepared for future applications and interviews?
The SSAT Aspirant Headteacher programme will support you in making your next step. It will give you valuable insights into what you can expect from headship and how you can have even greater impact as a school leader. The programme will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to lead with vision, establish a thriving culture and make a positive impact on your school community.
Benefits
- Continue your leadership development and preparation for headship.
- Discover secrets to leading school improvement and increasing your effectiveness as a senior leader.
- Learn from headteachers working in different contexts and take part in headteacher work shadowing.
- Receive practical advice, tips and support with headship applications and interviews.
How is the programme delivered?
Participants will benefit from a blended learning approach and form a supportive peer network of aspiring headteachers. The programme consists of three in-person events and three online modules designed and delivered by the SSAT education team and successful headteachers from across SSAT’s network. As well as sharing expertise and experience, participants will benefit from tailored support with headteacher applications and interviews.
Module information
Module 1: School culture and leadership through moral purpose
In-person Monday 13 November 2023
Shenley Brook End School, Milton Keynes
09:30 – 15.30
Aims for the module:
- Reflect on the importance of creating a school culture where staff and students can flourish.
- Consider how we can understand and affect the culture.
- Revisit the values and vision that underpin our moral purpose.
- Explore the Leadership through moral purpose strand of SSAT’s Framework for Exceptional Education.
- Share experiences and practice.
Module 2: Leading school improvement
Online Tuesday 5 December 2023
Trinity Academy, Halifax
15:30 – 17.30
Aims for the module:
- Reflect on your vision for school improvement and the importance of strategic leadership.
- Discuss our experiences school improvement.
- Explore frameworks and models for leading change.
- Share examples of practice.
Module 3: Assuring quality, ensuring accountability
Online Tuesday 23 January 2024
15:30 – 17.30
Aims for the module:
- Consider what quality assurance is and what it isn’t.
- Reflect on what does quality assurance look like in a school context?
- Accountability – to whom and for what?
- Explore the role of governors and the importance of the relationship between headteacher and chair of governors.
- Share experiences.
Module 4: Headteacher work shadowing – in-person school visits
In-person January/February 2024 (TBC)
Aims for the module:
- Provide aspiring headteachers the opportunity to work shadow a headteacher from another school.
- Explore leadership in a new context.
Module 5: Applying for headship
Online Tuesday 27 February 2024
15:30 – 17.30
Aims for the module:
- Provide aspiring headteachers the opportunity to work shadow a headteacher from another school.
- Explore leadership in a new context.
Module 6: Headship interviews and the first 100 days of headship
In-person Monday 18 March 2024
President Kennedy School, Coventry
09:30 – 15.30
Aims for the module:
- Share experiences of headship interviews and explore how to manage the process.
- Consider what governors and interviewers may be looking for.
- Interview preparation and practice.
- Reflect on the importance of the first 100 day of headship and develop an action plan.
Who is the programme for?
For senior leaders aspiring to headship in secondary schools.
Host information
Dr Dan Belcher, Senior Education Lead, SSAT
Dan leads on SSAT’s leadership programmes and has a wealth of experience in designing and delivering professional development for all career stages. Before joining SSAT in 2009 he was a senior leader and teacher of French and German. Dan enjoys working with individuals and teams to realise their goals and grow leadership capacity.
Arrange a free phone consultation
Speak with Senior Education Lead Dr Dan Belcher, to learn more about the benefits of SSAT’s leadership programmes.
Book your consultation
Date and location
Launch date
TBC
Aspirant Headteachers - What to Expect
You can use this practical guide to assess your current practice based on the programme contents.
Any questions?
Contact us or call 020 7802 0955.
Get in touch
