Headship qualifications from outside Scotland

There are two routes to being awarded the Standard for Headship:

1. Successful completion of a GTC Scotland accredited programme of teacher education that leads to the award of the Standard for Headship
2. Assessment of an equivalent qualification gained outside Scotland

Find out more about equivalent UK headship qualifications.

All requests for equivalency assessment of a qualification gained outside Scotland should be made using the Standard for Headship qualification equivalency assessment application form and submitted along with a copy of your qualification transcript.

We aim to assess applications within 30 days although our timelines vary dependent on demand.

Standard for Headship qualification equivalency assessment application form

Applicant and qualification criteria

All applicants:

• Are required to hold full and current registration with GTC Scotland and have met our other ongoing registration criteria.
• Must not be subject to an order of a GTC Scotland Fitness to Teach panel that is still current and there must be no unresolved or pending referrals relating to the applicant that are subject to GTC Scotland's Fitness to Teach procedures.

Qualifications from outside Scotland will be assessed on the following basis as demonstrating the Standard for Headship:

• the qualification is supported by a university
• the qualification is accredited by a national education body in relation to the post of headteacher/principal
• the qualification is equivalent to 60 credits at SCQF 11  
• the qualification content includes level 11 learning with a focus on developing as a strategic educational leader and leading strategic educational change

Review requests

Applicants can request our decision to be reviewed in line with our Registration and Standards Rules 2015.

As set out in our Rules, any requests for review may only be made, and will only be considered, where there are grounds for the decision to be reviewed (which are properly specified in the request) in terms of GTC Scotland having either: (a) failed to act in accordance with the Registration and Standards Rules or (b) made an error that has had a significant impact on the decision made. If no such request is made our decision will stand and be considered final.

All requests for review should be made in writing.