Application & Selection
If you are interested in applying for the Teaching Leaders programme, here are a few key next steps:
1. It might be a good idea to speak to your line manager and/or Headteacher to let them know you are applying to the programme (we will be asking for your Headteacher’s support during the selection process). If you are moving to a new school, then feel free to contact us to discuss how you might go about doing this, and how we can help
2. Come to an information session. These are being held throughout May and June in Central London.
3. Complete an application form online. We ask you for personal and professional details, and also ask you to complete three short essay questions (no more than 300 words each). The selection process is explained in more detail below
Application deadlines
In this first year, given we are only able to accept a maximum of 40 participants onto the programme, Teaching Leaders is encouraging interested applicants to apply as early as possible. We recommend you apply as soon as you are able, if possible by 1st June (in order to be eligible to be invited to an assessment day in June if your application is successful). If you are unable to do so, the final deadline for applications is 30 June 2008 (after which successful applicants will be invited to assessment days in July). Places on the programme are strictly limited and we will fill them as and when we find successful candidates!
Selection
We have designed our selection process to be a developmental experience for you. It will enable you to learn more about where your strengths lie and where you need to focus your efforts, and help you to better appreciate your own aspirations as a leader.
We will offer individual feedback after stages 1 and 3 of the process, regardless of whether you are successful at these stages.
Stage 1: Application Form.
Consists of three essay-style questions. At this stage we want to ascertain your fit with the programme, evidence of your personal impact in schools to date, and a sense of how you work as a team member. We will respond to your application within two weeks.
Stage 2: Headteacher support.
Before we proceed to the Assessment Centre we ask for support for your participation on the programme from your Headteacher. Teaching Leaders is a demanding development programme and you will need the backing of your school to make the most of the opportunities it offers. In addition to professional support we also require at this stage a commitment from your Headteacher to support you financially while on the programme to the value of £2000 per year. Teaching Leaders is happy to provide assistance in negotiating such support for applicants joining a new school, or to help identify possible alternative sources of funding should this be an issue for your Headteacher. For more information contact Louise Renshaw on 0207 3951475.
Stage 3: Assessment Centre
This is a half-day set of exercises, some of which will be completed as a group with other candidates, and others of which will be individual activities. These will include a personal interview, a set of role plays and a group exercise.
