The national professional qualification for head teachers: the need for additional support for candidates for catholic leadership

Abstract

The National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers (NPQH) is based on an assessment of existing competence and training that has been designed by TTA officials to cover the ‘necessary ground’ of the National Standards. It is by definition and intent a generic approach which covers certain attributes and no others. This article argues that a generic model of training needs does not specifically address the spiritual role that heads of Catholic schools undertake. It goes on to argue for additional support for aspirant heads, who have to meet not only the requirements of governmental policy and agencies but the expectations of other particular constituencies (and to cope with the interplay and possible conflict between them). (In the summer of 1999, responsibility for the NPQH moved from the TAA to the DfEE.)