Supporting schools to raise standards even further is a priority of the Department of Education and Children (DEC).
 
That was the message from Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, as he awarded qualifications to primary school teachers today.
 
Sixteen teachers from 13 schools received Primary Leadership and Management Training Programme certificates after a year’s study. The qualifications will enable them to take the next steps on the career ladder.
 
The teachers completed level two of the programme – aimed at those who already lead an area of the curriculum or another aspect of school life.
 
They attended four days’ training and compiled assignments and an assessed task.
 
Most of the cohort completed an additional 4,000-word assignment which, once validated by the University of Chester, will allow them to continue towards a Post Graduate Certificate in school leadership.
 
Minister Crookall said: ‘As we continually strive to raise standards even higher in our schools, for the good of our students and the wider economy, it’s vital we have highly skilled staff ready to succeed those who are coming to the end of their careers or who move on to other schools.
 
‘I’d like to congratulate the teachers, who, as well as meeting the demands of the classroom, have worked hard out of school for an entire year to gain these qualifications. I wish them well in their careers.
 
‘I would also like to thank the DEC staff and two retired headteachers who delivered the programme in addition to their regular workloads.’
 
Today’s awards ceremony took place at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, which runs the Leadership and Management Programme.
 
Photo - some of the teachers who received Primary Leadership and Management Training Programme certificates at level two.