The government is more than doubling its support for a social enterprise offering professional development to middle leaders in schools with challenging intakes, in a bid to improve teacher retention.
Started in 2008, Teaching Leaders has supported 1,958 classroom teachers across more than 900 schools with a leadership responsibility – for example, a subject lead or head of department.
Participants receive one-to-one coaching and attend residential and one-day events over two years.
The government has granted funding for three more cohorts and increased the amount to allow a further 1,500 middle leaders to benefit – almost the same number that completed the programme in the past eight years. The charity said it was unable to disclose the full amount given.
James Toop, Teaching Leaders chief executive, said the programme had been successful in terms of pupil achievement and retention but squeezed budgets could mean schools struggle to find the £2,000 needed each year to place teachers on the programme.
“Schools need to invest in keeping good people though and they will see a return on investment in terms of results,” Mr Toop added.
Not to be confused with the government’s National Teaching Service, which aims to place high-flying teachers in underperforming schools, the charity sets itself apart by focusing on retention over recruitment.
Mr Toop continued: “We help with identifying and developing a school’s existing talent.”
If my Year 6 child “fails” this year I will not be allowing him to resit. It is time parents took back some control for the sake of their own children’s well being and I shall be doing just that.