Aspiring to Middle Leadership

Published 10/07/2024.  Last updated 18/06/2025

This is an Education Scotland leadership professional learning programme.

This programme can support aspiring middle leaders to develop their understanding of the roles of middle leadership and the skills required to carry out the main aspects of these roles.

The programme is also suitable for new middle leaders, those in an acting middle leadership role or those who are new to leading an area of work in their setting. If you are more established in your middle leadership role you might want to consider the Middle Leaders Leading Change programme.

Aspiring to Middle Leadership is underpinned by the schools-based research of John De Nobile and his theoretical model of middle leadership, which identifies eight roles. It supports participants to then focus on a specific area of Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities (IWE) with a view to leading change in that area.

Leading their own learning, participants will:

  • increase their knowledge of recent and emerging research around the roles of middle leadership
  • enquire into their own strengths and areas for development as an aspiring or new middle leader
  • increase their knowledge and understanding of the roles of middle leadership and the skills and abilities required to carry out key aspects of these roles
  • increase their knowledge and understanding of an aspect of wellbeing, inclusion, equity or equalities, with a view to leading change in this area.

Previous participants say the programme has increased their self-confidence, supported their wellbeing and given them a fuller understanding of the range of roles of a middle leader. It’s helped them to plan for and perform well at interview, and in some cases helped them secure a promoted post. Many continue to learn using the self-directed Professional Learning Activities (PLAs) after they complete the programme.

Teachers and educators who:

  • aspire to a middle leadership position
  • are new to a middle leadership role
  • are in an acting middle leadership role
  • who are new to leading an area of whole-school or setting responsibility.

Although the underpinning research is schools based, Aspiring to Middle Leadership may be applicable to CLD or ELC practitioners as well as teachers.

The programme is available online and is flexible to fit in with the lives of busy educators. Participants can access and begin the programme at any time. An account on our website will be required to access the learning activities which is free and easy to set up.

The programme is structured as follows:

  • Introductory activities
  • Introduction session (optional) which focuses on the purposes of the programme and the roles of middle leadership (recorded and available online)
  • Self-directed learning, using a self-evaluation tool then online self-directed Professional Learning Activities (PLAs) choosing four or more from a selection. You will need an account on our website to access these PLAs
  • Completion and certification (optional).

To complete the programme and receive a certificate, participants are required to complete a minimum of four PLAs and submit a Learning Summary. This equates to between 8 and 12 hours of online learning (2-3 hours per PLA) plus time in your setting to put your learning into practice. You will need to demonstrate how you have integrated learning from all 4 of your chosen PLAs.

Starting and completion times are set by participants. You may wish to use the live Introductory session and the live Sharing the Learning event in May as start and finish points for the programme. We recommend you complete the programme in the same session you start it, where possible.

We aim to make our programmes inclusive, welcoming and accessible for all our participants.

A Reflective Journal template is available to participants to help them plan their learning and will provide space for summary reflections at each stage of the programme.

On completion, participants have the option of submitting a completed Learning Summary to us for certification.

Participants are encouraged through the programme to connect with a peer to support them through the programme. The role of the Peer Supporter is to hold space for professional dialogue related to the participant’s learning. Further information about the Peer Supporter is included in the programme.

Yes! Local Authorities and settings can facilitate professional learning sessions for aspiring middle leaders around this programme. A downloadable Introductory session PowerPoint presentation with facilitation notes is included within these programme webpages, to support you to facilitate the professional learning of colleagues engaging in this programme locally.

As the Professional Learning and Leadership Team is currently funded to develop a suite of programmes, participation in the programme is free of charge. As part of our commitment to the continuous improvement of Scottish Government funded courses, we rely on your completed programme evaluation.

Online and in your setting.

Open the Aspiring to Middle Leadership programme.

Here is a selection of questions we’ve had at the introductory session and to our mailbox, along with answers we hope you find helpful.

 

Q Do I have to apply for a place to take part?

A No. The programme is open access so you can start and finish when you choose. Everything you need is here at the AML webpages.

 

Q Do I need an account at the Education Scotland website?

A  Yes. The learning is undertaken through online professional Learning Activities (PLAs). So that these remain private to you, and so you can save your work as you go, you need to set up a login. Full instructions on how to do this are at the AML webpages.

 

Q I'm registered in Scotland but teaching overseas right now. Can I take part?

A  Yes. Working abroad isn’t a barrier to taking part.

 

Q I already have an account with the Education Scotland website. Should I see the AML programme listed under ‘My programmes’ before I can start?

A  No. In the past participants will have seen this, but this is no longer needed. You can start by going to the ‘Get started’ section.

 

Q Do I need to attend the Introductory session to be able to complete the programme?

A  No. You can choose to attend one of the live online Introductions, or watch the recording, or just get started, whichever works best for you.

 

Q Can this still be completed on supply as it would be difficult to apply learning in a ML role on temporary contracts?

A  Yes it can, but it may take you longer to apply some aspects the learning.

 

Q Is there a template for the Learning Summary? e.g. could we complete alongside our learning as we finish off each PLA (Professional Learning Activities)?

A  All templates are on the ‘tools and templates’ section of the Aspiring to Middle Leadership self-directed learning page – click here

 

Q Is there a cost?

A  No. There’s no cost as the programme is fully funded by the Scottish Government for educators working in Scotland.

 

Q Can you be considered for this as a probationer? 

A Yes. The learning is self-directed there is no need to apply to join the programme. However, we would caution that there is a lot of learning in the probation year, so it may be challenging to take on a leadership programme too. Consider your capacity and wellbeing.

 

Q Will there be another introductory session/Teams meeting?

A  There will be a repeat of this session in November and January. We have not planned any further Teams meetings beyond this, other than the Sharing the Learning event in May, but we do take feedback into account and won’t rule it out in the future.

 

Q How long roughly does it take to complete? Is it okay to complete this when working part time?  I feel it may take a little longer than for full time.

A  You will need to set aside 8-12 hours for online learning (2-3 hours per PLA; 4 PLAs to complete) as well as time in your setting to integrate the learning. You will need to demonstrate how you have integrated learning from all 4 of your chosen PLAs. This might take a term or longer, and this will depend on how many hours you work. We recommend you complete the programme in the same session you start it, where possible.

 

Q Are all reading materials online, or are books required to be sourced?

A  No books are required, and all core materials are linked to on the programme pages. Teachers registered with the GTCS can also access EBSCO, which has excellent supplementary resources.

 

Q Will our written input on our chosen PLA be monitored and feedback given to ensure we are on the right track with our learning?

A No. Anything you write on your PLA is private, and we cannot access this.

 

Q Can I ask what type of things people have taken on and implemented within their practice before? 

A  There is a wide range of activity. This depends on what is happening in your setting, your learning needs, the needs of your learners, your areas of interest and on the PLAs (Professional Learning Activities) you select. Past participants have carried out small-scale enquiries in their class, led focus groups with colleagues, learners or parents, delivered professional learning sessions, developed and/or implemented new initiatives or processes, e.g. coaching approaches, peer support groups, research/reading clubs, reviewing ASN policy, building rights-based approaches...

Many have taken on improvement activity around aspects of inclusion, wellbeing and equalities, sometimes focused on their own practice, and sometimes across the whole setting, department or cluster.  For some it has been to adapt approaches to time management, differentiation or communication with parents. There is no ‘wrong’ way to implement your learning; it’s unique to each individual and their context.

 

Q Is the certificate at the end recognised by all local authorities and does it allow us to qualify for roles such as PT?

A  This is a well-known national programme and is recognised as PL (Professional Learning) by all Local Authorities, however it doesn’t ‘qualify’ you for a role as a PT.

 

Q Last session I completed To Lead or Not to Lead with Falkirk council. Would this be an appropriate follow on?

A Yes. This programme should help you contextualise that learning.

Contact us for further information about this programme. Please use the programme acronym AML in the subject line.
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Aspiring to Middle Leadership

Published 10/07/2024.  Last updated 18/06/2025

This is an Education Scotland leadership professional learning programme.

This programme can support aspiring middle leaders to develop their understanding of the roles of middle leadership and the skills required to carry out the main aspects of these roles.

The programme is also suitable for new middle leaders, those in an acting middle leadership role or those who are new to leading an area of work in their setting. If you are more established in your middle leadership role you might want to consider the Middle Leaders Leading Change programme.

Aspiring to Middle Leadership is underpinned by the schools-based research of John De Nobile and his theoretical model of middle leadership, which identifies eight roles. It supports participants to then focus on a specific area of Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities (IWE) with a view to leading change in that area.

Leading their own learning, participants will:

  • increase their knowledge of recent and emerging research around the roles of middle leadership
  • enquire into their own strengths and areas for development as an aspiring or new middle leader
  • increase their knowledge and understanding of the roles of middle leadership and the skills and abilities required to carry out key aspects of these roles
  • increase their knowledge and understanding of an aspect of wellbeing, inclusion, equity or equalities, with a view to leading change in this area.

Previous participants say the programme has increased their self-confidence, supported their wellbeing and given them a fuller understanding of the range of roles of a middle leader. It’s helped them to plan for and perform well at interview, and in some cases helped them secure a promoted post. Many continue to learn using the self-directed Professional Learning Activities (PLAs) after they complete the programme.

Teachers and educators who:

  • aspire to a middle leadership position
  • are new to a middle leadership role
  • are in an acting middle leadership role
  • who are new to leading an area of whole-school or setting responsibility.

Although the underpinning research is schools based, Aspiring to Middle Leadership may be applicable to CLD or ELC practitioners as well as teachers.

The programme is available online and is flexible to fit in with the lives of busy educators. Participants can access and begin the programme at any time. An account on our website will be required to access the learning activities which is free and easy to set up.

The programme is structured as follows:

  • Introductory activities
  • Introduction session (optional) which focuses on the purposes of the programme and the roles of middle leadership (recorded and available online)
  • Self-directed learning, using a self-evaluation tool then online self-directed Professional Learning Activities (PLAs) choosing four or more from a selection. You will need an account on our website to access these PLAs
  • Completion and certification (optional).

To complete the programme and receive a certificate, participants are required to complete a minimum of four PLAs and submit a Learning Summary. This equates to between 8 and 12 hours of online learning (2-3 hours per PLA) plus time in your setting to put your learning into practice. You will need to demonstrate how you have integrated learning from all 4 of your chosen PLAs.

Starting and completion times are set by participants. You may wish to use the live Introductory session and the live Sharing the Learning event in May as start and finish points for the programme. We recommend you complete the programme in the same session you start it, where possible.

We aim to make our programmes inclusive, welcoming and accessible for all our participants.

A Reflective Journal template is available to participants to help them plan their learning and will provide space for summary reflections at each stage of the programme.

On completion, participants have the option of submitting a completed Learning Summary to us for certification.

Participants are encouraged through the programme to connect with a peer to support them through the programme. The role of the Peer Supporter is to hold space for professional dialogue related to the participant’s learning. Further information about the Peer Supporter is included in the programme.

Yes! Local Authorities and settings can facilitate professional learning sessions for aspiring middle leaders around this programme. A downloadable Introductory session PowerPoint presentation with facilitation notes is included within these programme webpages, to support you to facilitate the professional learning of colleagues engaging in this programme locally.

As the Professional Learning and Leadership Team is currently funded to develop a suite of programmes, participation in the programme is free of charge. As part of our commitment to the continuous improvement of Scottish Government funded courses, we rely on your completed programme evaluation.

Online and in your setting.

Open the Aspiring to Middle Leadership programme.

Here is a selection of questions we’ve had at the introductory session and to our mailbox, along with answers we hope you find helpful.

 

Q Do I have to apply for a place to take part?

A No. The programme is open access so you can start and finish when you choose. Everything you need is here at the AML webpages.

 

Q Do I need an account at the Education Scotland website?

A  Yes. The learning is undertaken through online professional Learning Activities (PLAs). So that these remain private to you, and so you can save your work as you go, you need to set up a login. Full instructions on how to do this are at the AML webpages.

 

Q I'm registered in Scotland but teaching overseas right now. Can I take part?

A  Yes. Working abroad isn’t a barrier to taking part.

 

Q I already have an account with the Education Scotland website. Should I see the AML programme listed under ‘My programmes’ before I can start?

A  No. In the past participants will have seen this, but this is no longer needed. You can start by going to the ‘Get started’ section.

 

Q Do I need to attend the Introductory session to be able to complete the programme?

A  No. You can choose to attend one of the live online Introductions, or watch the recording, or just get started, whichever works best for you.

 

Q Can this still be completed on supply as it would be difficult to apply learning in a ML role on temporary contracts?

A  Yes it can, but it may take you longer to apply some aspects the learning.

 

Q Is there a template for the Learning Summary? e.g. could we complete alongside our learning as we finish off each PLA (Professional Learning Activities)?

A  All templates are on the ‘tools and templates’ section of the Aspiring to Middle Leadership self-directed learning page – click here

 

Q Is there a cost?

A  No. There’s no cost as the programme is fully funded by the Scottish Government for educators working in Scotland.

 

Q Can you be considered for this as a probationer? 

A Yes. The learning is self-directed there is no need to apply to join the programme. However, we would caution that there is a lot of learning in the probation year, so it may be challenging to take on a leadership programme too. Consider your capacity and wellbeing.

 

Q Will there be another introductory session/Teams meeting?

A  There will be a repeat of this session in November and January. We have not planned any further Teams meetings beyond this, other than the Sharing the Learning event in May, but we do take feedback into account and won’t rule it out in the future.

 

Q How long roughly does it take to complete? Is it okay to complete this when working part time?  I feel it may take a little longer than for full time.

A  You will need to set aside 8-12 hours for online learning (2-3 hours per PLA; 4 PLAs to complete) as well as time in your setting to integrate the learning. You will need to demonstrate how you have integrated learning from all 4 of your chosen PLAs. This might take a term or longer, and this will depend on how many hours you work. We recommend you complete the programme in the same session you start it, where possible.

 

Q Are all reading materials online, or are books required to be sourced?

A  No books are required, and all core materials are linked to on the programme pages. Teachers registered with the GTCS can also access EBSCO, which has excellent supplementary resources.

 

Q Will our written input on our chosen PLA be monitored and feedback given to ensure we are on the right track with our learning?

A No. Anything you write on your PLA is private, and we cannot access this.

 

Q Can I ask what type of things people have taken on and implemented within their practice before? 

A  There is a wide range of activity. This depends on what is happening in your setting, your learning needs, the needs of your learners, your areas of interest and on the PLAs (Professional Learning Activities) you select. Past participants have carried out small-scale enquiries in their class, led focus groups with colleagues, learners or parents, delivered professional learning sessions, developed and/or implemented new initiatives or processes, e.g. coaching approaches, peer support groups, research/reading clubs, reviewing ASN policy, building rights-based approaches...

Many have taken on improvement activity around aspects of inclusion, wellbeing and equalities, sometimes focused on their own practice, and sometimes across the whole setting, department or cluster.  For some it has been to adapt approaches to time management, differentiation or communication with parents. There is no ‘wrong’ way to implement your learning; it’s unique to each individual and their context.

 

Q Is the certificate at the end recognised by all local authorities and does it allow us to qualify for roles such as PT?

A  This is a well-known national programme and is recognised as PL (Professional Learning) by all Local Authorities, however it doesn’t ‘qualify’ you for a role as a PT.

 

Q Last session I completed To Lead or Not to Lead with Falkirk council. Would this be an appropriate follow on?

A Yes. This programme should help you contextualise that learning.

Contact us for further information about this programme. Please use the programme acronym AML in the subject line.
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