The development of the Professional Headship Induction Programme in Wales

Abstract

In September 2001, the Professional Headship Induction Programme was implemented in Wales. This programme is intended to support the professional development of new headteachers and is made up of a professional headship profile, mentor support, peer networking and a directory of training resources. The programme was developed by a consortium comprising the Glamorgan University, the educational advisory service for the Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda‐Cynon‐Taf local education authorities, the Welsh Primary Schools Association and the Welsh Secondary Schools Association. This paper describes the programme and its development and, on the basis of interviews with those involved, reports the tensions and shifts that emerged during the development process. These include the timescale of the development, the programme structure and content, determination of the balance between support and challenge for new headteachers, historical and political tensions and the inter‐relationship between the participants in the development. In the final section, success factors are identified.

Citation

Connolly, M., Dunning, G. and James, C. (2002), "The development of the Professional Headship Induction Programme in Wales", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 16 No. 7, pp. 339-348. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513540210448103