Every governing body should take an interest in and be informed about continuing professional development in their school. Appropriate training and support should be part of the performance-management package for all staff.

The autumn recruitment round for the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) will close on November 14. Should someone in your school be making an application?

Underpinned by the National Standards for School Leadership, this programme for aspiring headteachers is run by the National College for School Leadership.

It is practically based, driven by best practice and makes innovative use of on-line learning. It encourages a learning community which can be a great motivator and support to staff who want to improve their management and leadership skills. There are three stages appropriate to teachers in senior management roles that will help equip them for headship:

* The access stage is mainly self-study based in school with some on-line and face-to-face training sessions. It can last up to one year.

* The development stage is for more experienced managers - candidates have a personal tutor and agree a training plan which addresses current school issues and will usually take a year but can be completed more quickly. This must be completed successfully to progress to the next stage.

* The final stage comprises a two-day residential course which focuses on strategic leadership and vision and concludes with a formal assessment.

The college funds all successful candidates from maintained schools - most of whom will be on the leadership team already. Supply costs for the time away from school will be met in many circumstances.

The school can benefit from having NPQH candidates, not least because they are assessed on their contribution to school improvement and must show how they work with staff and governors around shared aims.

Encouraging professional development is a key factor in developing a successful school by creating a learning environment for staff as well as pupils.

Governors can play their part by encouraging appropriate staff to apply.

Further details are available at www.ncsl.gov.uk or from the headship information line: 0845 7165136. NCSL is also currently consulting on a national framework for headship training.

Jane Martin formerly worked in LEA governor training and is now a principal consultant at the Improvement and Development Agency for Local Government