The new Leadership Programme for Serving Headteachers costs pound;2,500 per person, funded through the National College for School Leadership. It is available for headteachers of maintained schools, pupil-referral units, city technology colleges and non-maintained special schools throughout England. Applicants must have more than three years experience as a head.

Learning is spread over eight to 10 months, as follows: * pre-residential preparation in which heads must complete three questionnaires which provide a picture of their characteristics, leadership styles and school climate and access to leadership models.

* three-day residential course, in which heads receive feedback on the questionnaires. This process provides insight into their leadership styles and characteristics.

* post-residential sessions: two one-day follow-up sessions over planned intervals to ensure that learning is sustained.

* online learning to enable heads to continue their professional development.