The Hunter Foundation Commits £1M to Head Teacher Leadership in Scotland

Excellence in Headship

Investment in school leadership.

A new package of training support for head teachers is set to be announced by Deputy First Minister John Swinney alongside a commitment of £1m from philanthropy, The Hunter Foundation.

The Hunter Foundation will partner with the Scottish Government supporting leadership academies delivered by Columba 1400, benefitting 320 head teachers in its first year.

The DFM said: “Effective school leadership is key to the success of schools. As a result its vital we invest in our head teachers and support them to deliver superb schooling for children in Scotland.

“I am delighted to announce that Excellence in Headship is now open for recruitment, backed by £1.6 million of Scottish Government funding over the next four years. In addition, the Scottish Government, in partnership with the Hunter Foundation, will support leadership academies delivered by Columba 1400 which will benefit 320 head teachers in its first year.

“The head teacher role is challenging but hugely rewarding and I want to support teachers to take the step to headship while also committing to supporting head teachers already in post.”

Sir Tom Hunter, chairman of The Hunter Foundation noted;

“Education is the enabler, the leveller of playing fields but to deliver that we need great leadership in our schools. The pace of change in the world of work is an incredible challenge for our school leaders and teachers – 65% of our young people joining Primary School this year will go to jobs that don’t even exist today.

“So rightly we need to invest more in supporting our school leaders and that’s why we are delighted to be investing £1m alongside the Scottish Government’s £2m into world class school leadership. In addition the Hunter Foundation intends to build a world class alumni programme for educational leaders across Scotland to enhance and build upon the excellence that Columba 1400 will deliver in leadership.”