A scheme to help teachers in urban schools progress quickly to headship has been given extra funding. Teaching Leaders, developed by academy sponsor ARK, the National College for School Leadership, Teach First, and Future Leaders, has secured Pounds 870,000 of government funding for the expansion of the pilot scheme over the next two years. The programme takes talented middle leaders on a two-year leadership development programme. It mixes formal professional development activities, such as seminars and masterclasses with personalised coaching, a network of peers and problem-solving discussion groups.