From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

There are many ways that you can get involved in the management of your school, and most jobs are carried out in combination with classroom teaching responsibilities. However, as your level of managerial duties increases, the amount of time you spend in the classroom will decrease proportionately. Before you pursue this option you should decide whether you are ready you to reduce your hours teaching in the classroom.

The main routes you can consider are:

• Head of department: This requires an in-depth knowledge of your subject area. You will spend time managing other staff in the department, resources, the curriculum and the department’s finances.
• Head of year: This role involves responsibility for the pastoral care of your pupils. You will work closely with form tutors and help resolve problems resulting from behavioural issues or underperformance.
• Headteacher: Headteachers manage a whole school. New headteachers need to gain the government’s National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), administered by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL), which involves a two-day entry course at an approved centre followed by a four to twelve-month development stage. For further information visit the NCSL website.