Teachers who achieved the Standard for Headship have been celebrated at the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s (GTC Scotland) offices in Edinburgh today. Over 200 teachers from across Scotland have gained the award this year, with around 80 recipients gathering to celebrate their achievement and recognise the central role of the Professional Standards for Teachers.
Holding the Standard for Headship is a requirement for headteachers permanently employed in local authorities and grant aided schools in Scotland. Meeting the Standard for Headship can be demonstrated through successful completion of the Into Headship programme or an equivalent UK or international headship qualification.
The Into Headship programme focuses on ensuring aspiring headteachers have the necessary skills required in management and strategic leadership, and a sound understanding of the theory and knowledge needed to be effective leaders for children, young people and colleagues. The programme is accredited by GTC Scotland and is delivered collaboratively by higher education institutions, local authorities and Education Scotland.
Dr Pauline Stephen, GTC Scotland Chief Executive and Registrar said:
Our communities place a high degree of trust in teachers. Entry to the profession requires a teaching qualification and a degree or equivalent academic qualification, and to become a headteacher you must additionally meet the Standard for Headship.
It is particularly special to celebrate this year’s recipients as GTC Scotland marks 60 years as the regulator for teachers in Scotland. Since 1965 we have worked to enhance trust in teachers by setting, upholding and promoting high standards.
