‘Superheadteachers’ plan for our schools

Schools in Blackpool look set to benefit from the expertise and guidance of some of the country’s top headteachers - as well as provide them.
Headteacher Amanda Clayton of Singleton CE Primary SchoolHeadteacher Amanda Clayton of Singleton CE Primary School
Headteacher Amanda Clayton of Singleton CE Primary School

Blackpool Council is one of just four local authorities in the UK to be part of a new scheme established to improve education in some of the country’s most difficult areas.

The government-funded Talented Leaders programme will see members of a 100-strong team of ‘super’ headteachers and deputy headteachers, each with a proven track record of success, join failing schools for up to three years.

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The scheme will recruit the nations best and brightest headteachers and is open to all, allowing Fylde heads to apply, from September 2015.

Coun Ivan Taylor, cabinet member for children’s services on Blackpool Council, said: “The programme is something we’ve expressed an initial interest in, as it may be of use to schools in Blackpool who are looking to recruit a new head teacher.

“From 2015, if a school, including any academy, has a new vacancy for a headteacher, then they can use this pool of to hire the best possible candidate.

“It’s an interesting idea and one that we are keeping an eye on to see if any Blackpool schools can benefit from.”

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The resort is one of just four nationally, each where educational quality and attainment is “often lower than pupils deserve”, to be part of the scheme to begin with.

It is expected to be rolled out to 13 of the 152 authorities in the UK.