Developing a Leadership Programme for School Leaders: An NPQH assessment centre manager reflects

Abstract

The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is a recognition by the Government of the importance placed on training and developing aspiring headteachers to take up the challenging and significant role of headship. School improvement and school effectiveness research has, for many years, proclaimed the pivotal role played by the headteacher in transforming and developing the school as a learning community. This paper examines the development and implementation of the NPQH, particularly the Needs Assessment process, from the perspective of one regional assessment centre manager. The views and reflections outlined are those of the author and the paper will use, as its evidence base, the evaluations undertaken at the London Assessment Centre throughout its first year of operation. The author will reflect on the role played by assessment centres, the development of this role and how the assessment process itself is contributing to the training and development of tomorrow's headteachers. The recommendations included and the conclusions drawn suggest ways in which the process of assessment within the NPQH can: (i) facilitate the development of the NPQH; (ii) improve the outcome for the candidate.