Leadership Development/Succession Planning

The Learning and Improvement Service (LIS) is at the centre of developing the strategic overview for Succession Planning and Leadership Development across Suffolk.

We are keen to work with all schools and governing bodies to identify and grow our next generation of school leaders through school to school support and partnership working.

New initiatives such as the development of Teaching Schools will give an exciting opportunity for schools to promote their leaders at all levels and embed the culture of Succession Planning

I hope that you will find these pages useful in informing and developing your leadership planning . It is our intention that regular support and advice will be issued to schools during the year so I would urge you to visit the site regularly in order to keep up to date.

If you would like further information please contact

Carol Hitchman at carol.hitchman@suffolk.gov.uk or telephone 01473 260663 or visit the www.suffolklearning.org

Current Opportunities:

Acting Headteachers Opportunities Scheme :

The Acting Headteachers Opportunities Scheme was launched on April 26th 2011. It has been designed to support those aspiring to headship and to give opportunities to experience headteachers whether current or retired.

Full details of the scheme along with the application process can be found at www.suffolklearing.org

The Growing Leaders Scheme will be recruiting as from May 2011.

Details of the courses and the application process can be found at www.suffolkcpd.co.uk

Please note that the programme is for teachers that have proven leadership potential and should not be seen as a general CPD course. Applicants will be asked to provide a supporting statement detailing their leadership skills and qualities as part of the selection process.

The programme provides development for teachers at the following stages of their career:

  • Early Career Professional Development - Years 2/3 of teaching
  • Middle Leaders
  • Aspiring Deputies
  • Aspiring Headteachers
  • NPQH Graduates - Ready for Headship - Targeted support for NPQH Graduates seeking their first headship



Succession Planning – the future in your hands

It is highly recommended that all Governing bodies have a Succession Planning policy in place to ensure that schools are considering their long term recruitment and retention needs. This is particularly important if your Headteacher is considering moving from your school or retirement

A draft template is available below. Along with the policy is the opportunity to receive further support via a consultant regarding your Succession Planning developments by contacting Carol Hitchman at carol.hitchman@suffolk.gov.uk or telephone 01473 260663

SuccessionPlanningPolicy.doc (47k)

Governors Toolkit


Teaching Schools –

In November 2010, the Schools White Paper, The Importance of Teaching, proposed a new national network of teaching schools modelled on teaching hospitals. This new designation will give outstanding schools a leading role in the training and professional development of teachers, support staff and headteachers, as well as contributing to the raising of standards through school-to-school support.

For the first time, teaching schools will bring together provision for training and development from initial teacher training (ITT) through to headship under a single, school designation.

As well as offering training and support, teaching schools will identify and co-ordinate expertise in partner schools, using the best leaders and teachers to:

· work with other strategic partners, including universities, to train new entrants to the profession
· lead peer-to-peer learning
· spot and nurture leadership potential
· provide support for other schools when needed

Application Pack
Application Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
School Prospectus


More information can be found either at www.suffolklearning.org