Church of England school leader training gets DfE accreditation

The Church of England's national programme for developing school leaders has been awarded National Professional Qualification status by the Department for Education.

The Church of England Professional Qualification for Headship (CofEPQH) has been running for a year in the South East, South West and North and was previously accredited by Liverpool Hope University.

Under reforms to the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) the Department for Education is seeking to work with new partners for delivery of professional development for aspiring and current school leaders.

The Church of England's Foundation for Educational Leadership will deliver the CofEPQH by partnering with expert schools and making use of the Church's network in education. The Foundation has secured a grant of £750,000 from Allchurches Trust, one of the UK's leading grant-making charities, as its principal supporter for a range of activities developing educational leaders across a three-year period.

The Revd Nigel Genders, Chief Education Officer for the Church of England, said: "We believe that the leadership of a school is critical to the academic performance of pupils and how they flourish as individuals. To work with the Department for Education to empower and inspire school leaders in their vital roles is a privilege. We look forward to sharing our skills and expertise as well as our vision for education with school leaders from across the country."

The Church of England is the largest single provider of education in England with 1 million students attending 4,700 Church of England schools.

Beginning in January the Church of England will roll out the CofEPQH to 300 school leaders over a three year period using a range of training methods including school placements and visits, seminars, online learning and mentoring.