Management Information Sheet

Specialist Leaders in Education - Recruitment

MI Sheet TypeAction
To Be Completed By: 25/11/2011
MI Number:257/11
Publication Date:04/11/2011 12:00:00
LA Contact:Simon Morley (01603 307788)
Audience:Senior and middle leaders in all schools

Specialist Leaders in Education - Recruitment

The Local Authority (LA) is keen to signpost and support the communication all schools will have received from West Raynham Teaching School about the recruitment of Specialist Leaders in Education (SLEs). ( Email sent to Headteachers on 31/10/11 ). It is one of the roles of the newly designated Teaching Schools to work with the National College and DfE to identify, interview, designate and deploy SLEs. West Raynham is responsible for this in our area.

The new system leader designation of SLE is open to any outstanding senior or middle leader with at least two years’ experience; a first class knowledge in a particular field of expertise and a proven track record of working effectively within their own school and/or across a group of schools. Although successful applicants will be outstanding leaders below that of Headteacher, they do not need to come from outstanding schools.

West Raynham Teaching School, together with the LA, have identified the following groups who are likely to be best placed to meet the national criteria:

  • Leading teachers

  • Lead practitioners

  • Advanced skills teachers

  • Leading SEAL practitioners/behaviour professionals

  • Leaders within collaborations and partnerships


  • The following experience is also likely to be advantageous in building leadership capacity to meet local improvement priorities:

  • Working in a school where the Headteacher is already a Local Leader in Education

  • Track record of influence and impact in small, rural and/or Church schools in the primary phase

  • Development of middle leaders in the secondary phase


  • The first application window is now open and will close on Friday 25th November 2011. Please follow the following link to view the full designation criteria and frequently asked questions. The link will also direct you to apply: click here

    If you would like to have an informal conversation about SLEs please contact:
    Chris Allen, West Raynham Teaching School 01328 838317
    Simon Morley, Senior Adviser – Leadership and Governance 01603 307788
    Sebastian Gasse, Senior Adviser – Education Strategy and Partnership Development 01603 307714