The Guardian has reported that schools in England's poorest neighbourhoods could find themselves without a headteacher in a few years' time because of a dramatic decline in applications to a government-backed scheme that trains the future leaders of challenging comprehensives.
According to the newspaper (9/2/2010) , only a third of the number of last year’s applicants has applied to the Government’s ‘Future Leaders ’ scheme, which trains heads for challenging urban schools.
The scheme currently operates in London, the north-west, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, Bristol and the on the south coast, although it may be expanded to cover other areas in the future.
The Future Leaders website says it “presents talented and committed people with a unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills in preparation for National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and thus make a significant difference to the lives of children and young people.”
Those selected for the programme can become headteachers within four years.The application deadline was extended until 16th February due to “the challenging start to the new year experienced by many schools”, according to The National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services website.
The Guardian reports that just 122 applications have been received, compared with 374 this time last year – when just one in seven applicants were selected.
According to the article, Heath Monk, Future Leaders' chief executive, attributes the sharp fall in applications to teachers being worried about the threat of public spending cuts on schools and deciding to stay in their current jobs.
In September last year, the Daily Telegraph reported that headteacher vacancies generally were unfilled at one in four schools. Dr John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, told the Telegraph that the Government should do more to address increased workload and pressure on senior leaders and offer salaries and working conditions “commensurate with the high expectations now placed on them.''
Have your say: are fast track management courses like Future Leaders the answer to recruiting quality headteachers in urban schools? Is it your goal to become a headteacher? Or is it your idea of a nightmare? Post your comment and let us know!
21 Jan 2010
Independent closures: What next for teachers?
The national press recently estimated that at least 25 private schools could be up for sale, as pupil numbers diminish in the current economic climate. But while press stories focus on group takeovers and the effects for pupils and parents if schools have to close, where does all this leave teaching staff – and how can Eteach help?
Back in 2008, The Independent reported that three private prep schools had followed prestigious girls' senior schools and shut down after falling pupil numbers pushed them into financial difficulties.
And this month, The Guardian quoted Jill Berry, the new president of the Girls’ Association, as saying that any independent school could face the risk of merger or closure even if they were very well run.
Meanwhile the Times reported that two private school chains are hoping to acquire more schools, with “one in negotiations to buy up to 15 schools to add to the 46 it already runs in the UK”.
It’s an uncertain and unsettling environment, for parents, for pupils – and not least, for school staff.
While we don’t have all the answers to the credit crunch, we can pitch in and offer support to staff if they are suddenly faced with the prospect of closure; in one recent case we were able to send an experienced team into a school to talk about the alternatives to staff who had worked there for years. And the good news is that head teachers are obliged to support staff in finding new positions in these situations, and so should welcome initiatives of this type.
Have you found your school in similar circumstances? Do you have any tips on how you might be able to gain support through these difficult times? Add a comment and let us know!
Back in 2008, The Independent reported that three private prep schools had followed prestigious girls' senior schools and shut down after falling pupil numbers pushed them into financial difficulties.
And this month, The Guardian quoted Jill Berry, the new president of the Girls’ Association, as saying that any independent school could face the risk of merger or closure even if they were very well run.
Meanwhile the Times reported that two private school chains are hoping to acquire more schools, with “one in negotiations to buy up to 15 schools to add to the 46 it already runs in the UK”.
It’s an uncertain and unsettling environment, for parents, for pupils – and not least, for school staff.
While we don’t have all the answers to the credit crunch, we can pitch in and offer support to staff if they are suddenly faced with the prospect of closure; in one recent case we were able to send an experienced team into a school to talk about the alternatives to staff who had worked there for years. And the good news is that head teachers are obliged to support staff in finding new positions in these situations, and so should welcome initiatives of this type.
Have you found your school in similar circumstances? Do you have any tips on how you might be able to gain support through these difficult times? Add a comment and let us know!
19 Jan 2010
Chasing that job in the sun
If the recent arctic conditions have started you thinking about teaching abroad in the sun, then you’re not alone: ice or no ice, our recent survey found that more than a third of the UK's teachers are actively looking for work overseas.
If a job in another country is your new year’s resolution, now’s the time to start looking. And the best place to start? With Eteach of course!
Your teaching qualification can become your passport to a world of travel opportunities, and working overseas is an invitation to experience first-hand the sights, sounds, people and cultures of another country.
The recent Eteach poll, which questioned almost 800 UK teachers, suggested that more than a third (34.6%) are actively looking for work overseas, while a similar proportion (31.8%) said they are "open" to the idea.
If you’re one of the many teachers thinking about taking the plunge, then a really useful place to start is the International Zone at eteach.com.
As you would expect, the site lists quality international teaching jobs at reputable schools around the world. Not only can you browse opportunities, but you can sign up to receive email alerts whenever a new post comes up that fits the criteria you set.
And because picking up sticks to work in another country can seem rather daunting, we’ve packed the International Zone with really helpful tips and practical advice about how to make the big move.
You’ll find quality information about the opportunities that exist, the rewards and benefits on offer, the skills and qualifications you’ll need, how to choose where to go, information on work permits and visas, FAQs and much much more.
So to start your international teaching journey, head on over to the Eteach International Zone. And don’t forget register with eteach.com if you haven’t done so already, to take full advantage of our suite of digital job-hunting tools.
What would prompt you to work overseas? Why not leave a comment and let us know!
If a job in another country is your new year’s resolution, now’s the time to start looking. And the best place to start? With Eteach of course!
Your teaching qualification can become your passport to a world of travel opportunities, and working overseas is an invitation to experience first-hand the sights, sounds, people and cultures of another country.
The recent Eteach poll, which questioned almost 800 UK teachers, suggested that more than a third (34.6%) are actively looking for work overseas, while a similar proportion (31.8%) said they are "open" to the idea.
If you’re one of the many teachers thinking about taking the plunge, then a really useful place to start is the International Zone at eteach.com.
As you would expect, the site lists quality international teaching jobs at reputable schools around the world. Not only can you browse opportunities, but you can sign up to receive email alerts whenever a new post comes up that fits the criteria you set.
And because picking up sticks to work in another country can seem rather daunting, we’ve packed the International Zone with really helpful tips and practical advice about how to make the big move.
You’ll find quality information about the opportunities that exist, the rewards and benefits on offer, the skills and qualifications you’ll need, how to choose where to go, information on work permits and visas, FAQs and much much more.
So to start your international teaching journey, head on over to the Eteach International Zone. And don’t forget register with eteach.com if you haven’t done so already, to take full advantage of our suite of digital job-hunting tools.
What would prompt you to work overseas? Why not leave a comment and let us know!
Coming soon: Eteach International seminars in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Cardiff. We’ll keep you posted…
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