Government funding for the National Institute of Teaching’s trust leader development programme will not continue beyond the current cohort, Tes can reveal.
NIoT was contracted by the government to deliver the programme for two years, running until March 2026. However, schools minister Catherine McKinnell suggested in a parliamentary question in January that the course would be under review as part of the wider review of national professional qualifications.
Sir Dan Moynihan, chair of the NIoT board and CEO of founding trust Harris Federation, said there was “clearly a need for this with the majority of pupils educated in a trust, and we did hope it would continue, so we are disappointed it is not being funded”.
He explained that NIoT would continue with the course, but that it would need to be funded by participants to cover costs.
“This will enable future cohorts to access what is clearly a course that makes a difference and has wide support in the trust sector,” he said.
The programme aimed to provide “tailored immersion opportunities to work alongside some of England’s leading trust CEOs, access to expert coaching, live conferences and self-studies”, according to the institute’s website.
NIoT ‘disappointed’ at losing government funding
Sir Dan said that the course received “excellent feedback”, with 96 per cent of participants reporting they were highly satisfied with the course, and 100 per cent saying it had improved their confidence, leadership and strategic thinking.
Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, said the move was “not a surprise given the government’s review into NPQs”.
However, she added that the chief executive role is a “crucial one and very different from a headteacher and has unique support and guidance needs”.
CST will continue to work with providers and to support the sector with training and mentoring to help those taking on the role, Ms Cruddas confirmed.
The news comes after the NIoT announced earlier this month that it had been granted degree-awarding powers in a step to becoming a school-led university.
The DfE has been approached for comment.
