A first for Wales: National Professional Qualification for Church school headteachers launched

A new professional qualification has been launched for the headteachers of one in seven schools in Wales.  

On 16 June 20 headteachers of Catholic and Church in Wales primaries and secondaries came from all over the country to attend the event, which was held at the Church In Wales office, in Callaghan Square, Cardiff.

The event, the first in a series along with study modules, mentoring and assessments, was co-organised by the Catholic Education Service Wales and Dysgu, the national professional learning and leadership body for maintained schools and settings in Wales.

All newly-appointed permanent headteachers in Wales must hold the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Catholic and Church in Wales schools make up 14% of the state sector, or about one in seven schools across Wales, to which the new NPQH for Church schools will apply.

The programme was developed by Huw Powell, Headteacher at Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff, and Abigail Cuthbert, Headteacher at St Monica’s Church in Wales Primary, also in Cardiff. Keynote speaker David Wells led the morning with sessions on personal faith in leadership and Gospel values in church schools.  

The day was received very well by Dysgu officials and by the candidates.  

Michelle McManus, Deputy Head at Ysgol Gynradd Gatholig y Bendigaid Williams, Llandudno, in the Diocese of Wrexham, said: “Today was the most inspiring professional learning I’ve had in my career.  

“All leaders benefit from listening and learning about the distinctive nature of faith schools - the more we can learn and share the better!”

John Andrew Jones, Deputy Headteacher at Ysgol Derwenfa, in Leeswood, Flintshire, said: “As a deputy in a community primary school, this course has given me an improved understanding of what leadership looks like in a faith setting.  

“After completing this course, I have identified important next steps in order to develop the RVE offer in my current setting.  

“Following professional discussion and listening to key note speakers, I would now consider applying for headship in faith schools following this event.”

Find out more about Dysgu

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