Skip to main content
English | Cymraeg
Team meeting

Endorsement Process

The purpose of endorsement is to ensure that the most effective leadership development provision currently on offer can be recognised. The aim of endorsement is to ensure equity of access to high quality leadership development provision across Wales.

We encourage all providers who develop and deliver leadership development opportunities to bring their provision forward for endorsement.

The endorsement process ensures that leadership provision is aligned to the vision and values of the National Academy for Educational Leadership, meets the ambition of our National educational reforms and supports the strategic policy priorities for all educational settings including:

  • Schools and Pupil Referral Units
  • Youth Work (Statutory and Voluntary)
  • Post Compulsory Education and Training (Further Education, Work-based Learning and Adult Community Learning)

Monitoring

The monitoring process ensures that providers continue to deliver high quality provision, which remains fit for purpose and continues to meet the needs and expectations of leadership development in line with national policy.

It demonstrates that the provision is of a high standard and future focussed while simultaneously strengthening the relationship between the National Academy for Educational Leadership and the providers themselves. The monitoring process starts with the provider’s own self-evaluation and is designed to support providers in reviewing, adapting and improving their provision.

Monitoring activity is an ongoing process and takes place throughout the year.

Our latest call for endorsement is now open.

In this call we are particularly interested in leadership provision for the following:

  • Additional Learning Needs
  • Curriculum for Wales
  • Equality and Diversity
  • Anti-Racism
  • Welsh in Education
  • Compassionate Leadership
  • Post Compulsory Education and Training
  • Governors
  • Community Focused Schools

Provision that is accredited by another organisation, Awarding Body or Higher Education Institute or has existing provision endorsed by the National Academy for Educational Leadership may be eligible for a streamlined endorsement process.

Applications or expressions of interest should be submitted to the National Academy for Educational Leadership via post@agaa.cymru.

If you have any queries, please contact us.

Downloads:

Endorsement Guide    Endorsement Application Monitoring Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When and how do I apply?

Our current call for endorsement is now open for leadership development provision submissions for all education sectors and at any career stage.  Application guidance for providers and the application form are available to download above and include full details of how to apply.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the application process?

Support is available by contacting the Leadership Academy by email post@agaa.cymru

What is the process for applications?

There are two stages to endorsement – submitting an application form to be reviewed by a stage 1 panel, which if successful will lead to an invitation to present to a stage 2 panel. Full details of each stage are provided in the guidance booklet.

Who makes up the panel?

Endorsement panels consist of a minimum of three members drawn from Leadership Academy Staff, Associates and Stakeholders.

Is there a fee for endorsement?

No. There will be no charge to providers to cover the administration of endorsement, but the Leadership Academy will keep this under review and reserves the right to levy a small administration charge for organisations that are not public sector or charitable.

How long does the endorsement last?

Endorsement will be for 5 years and will need reviewing after this time. However, the Leadership Academy reserves the right to temporarily pause or rescind endorsement as a result of the quality assurance monitoring process.

Can I be endorsed as a provider?

No.  Endorsement is for programmes / provision only.

How is the endorsed provision monitored?

The Leadership Academy conducts quality assurance monitoring on all the endorsed provisions to ensure consistency of standards within the process. Providers can expect the endorsed provision to be quality assured on a regular basis following a completed cycle of delivery and will be asked to produce a quality and impact report.

How is the endorsement process quality assured?

The Leadership Academy has entered into a collaborative partnership with Education Scotland and the Centre for School Leadership in Ireland. This will involve a supportive, reciprocal arrangement of peer review focused on identifying strengths and areas for improvement in each of the three countries.

Is there an appeal process if endorsement is not awarded?

No. Providers cannot appeal a decision by the panel, but they are able to resubmit the application based on any recommendations made.

What if I have identified a gap in provision or an area that is under serviced?

We support new and innovative approaches to the development of leadership provision through our Innovation Pathway funding grant.

Case Studies

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot

A Case Study on Attendance Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot Background: The schoo…

Leadership Story: Nick Hudd

Leadership Story: Nick Hudd We interviewed Nick Hudd, Senior Youth Work Practitioner, Pembrokeshire …

St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School

Attendance Low school attendance is not a new issue but is now, post-covid, subject to new influence…