Flexible routes to headship

Flexible Routes to Headship (FRH) provides an enhancement of the current provision (SQH route) in the leadership development of aspiring headteachers in Scotland. The Standard for Headship can be achieved either through SQH or FRH. The purpose is to bring forward more headteachers in a climate of anticipated shortfall. Individual preference will determine the route.

FRH participants are supported by a leadership development coach for the duration of the programme. Coaching is the centrepiece of FRH and contributes to the uniqueness of the programme. The coach assumes role of coach, mentor, tutor, facilitator and assessor, with the opportunity for a one-to-one in-depth relationship.

Participants self-evaluate against the Standard to support the construction of an individual professional learning plan (PLP). The PLP will also include development needs related to emotional competence, with each participant completing an emotional competency evaluation.

The PLP becomes the platform from which CPD activities are identified to address individual professional needs.

The process of assessment includes a reflective commentary, portfolio of evidence, field visit and professional interview at GTCS. A balance is struck between formative and summative assessment.

The FRH programme contributes to a strategy for succession planning, focuses on developing high quality, reflective and strategic leaders and enhances the coaching capacity in schools.

FRH evaluation completed by Glasgow and Cambridge Universities (2008) indicates that 'FRH deserves a place in the landscape of Scottish school leader development'.