A group of six aspiring head teachers from schools across Argyll and Bute have received top marks after completing the new “Into Headship” qualification – awarding them the Standard for Headship.

This 12 month programme focuses specifically on headship and the strategic leadership role which head teachers play in schools.

It is designed to ensure aspiring head teachers are supported to develop and continue to build the necessary knowledge, skills, confidence and understanding that is required of senior leaders to successfully lead a school community.

Led by the Scottish College for Educational Leadership (SCEL), the course is provided by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), with support from Argyll and Bute Council.

The Scottish Government has proposed that the Standard for Headship will be mandatory for all newly-appointed head teachers by August 2019.

Talking about the group’s achievement, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Rory Colville said: “Into Headship is a relatively new qualification and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate those who have completed the programme – the first to do so in Argyll and Bute.

“Strengthening leadership at all levels is one of the key objectives in the council’s new education and vision strategy. Schools need positive, effective leaders to ensure that children are ready to succeed and that our young people secure and sustain positive destinations to go on a achieve success in life.

“The teachers who have undertaken this course have done exceptional and I hope that it will encourage others to take part in the programme too.”

The successful candidates are as follows:

Susie Carmichael
Sue began the course whilst working as the principal teacher at Ulva Primary School. She has since become the Acting Head teacher of the Ulva/Lochdonhead shared headship.

Lena Carter
Lena started the course whilst on secondment as the education officer for additional support needs. She is now the acting head of learning and teaching (secondary) at Lochgilphead Joint Campus.  Lena gained an outstanding pass and her assignment is to be used as an example of good practice with UHI.

Stuart Clark
Started began his qualification whilst working as the depute head teacher at Dunoon Grammar. He is now the head teacher at Port Glasgow High School.

Louise Lawson
Louise is the depute head teacher at Oban High School.

Lynn MacMillan
Lynn began her qualification whilst principal teacher at Carradale Primary School. She became head teacher at Glenbarr Primary School in December 2016.

Barry Wilson
Barry is the depute head teacher at Dunoon Grammar School.