Qualification for Scottish heads 'will worsen shortage'

This month a government-backed report recommended a new mandatory requirement for those aiming to become headteachers. 

This would replace the Standard for Headship qualification, which is voluntary and can be attained either before candidates apply or after they have started in the role.

Headteachers’ unions said the new qualifications, which would be effective from 2017, risked narrowing the field of prospective heads without necessarily ensuring more talented and suitable candidates would come through.

Ken Cunningham, general secretary of School Leaders Scotland, said any leadership development should not be a barrier to progression, but should be about enhancing the capabilities of future leaders.

“We don’t want an absolutely definitive statement about what you should achieve before applying to become a headteacher.