A Silver Lining with a Grey Cloud? The Perspective of Unsuccessful Participants in the Scottish Qualification for Headship Programme across the North of Scotland

Abstract

The Scottish Qualification for Headship (SQH) is a national development programme designed to develop the leadership and management skills, abilities and values of aspiring head teachers. This article first outlines the context within which the qualification is set before describing some previous evaluations on aspects of the programme. Unlike earlier evaluations, however, this paper focuses on how the programme is regarded by those who, for whatever reason, did not complete the programme. Following a brief description of the SQH and the methods used, the findings are set out and analysed. The article ends with a discussion of the implications of the findings for the future development and delivery of the programme.