Ethnic Minority Leaders Programme - Estyn

Ethnic Minority Leaders Programme

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About the programme

Our leadership programme aims to help remove barriers to career progression for education professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds, so that we can create a more representative and inclusive education workforce in Wales.

The programme helps us to increase diversity among our inspectors and broaden the experiences of candidates, helping to build experience to support future career progression.

It supports equity and equality in education – especially learners’ entitlement to be prepared for life in a diverse world and that they can recognise themselves and their experiences in their role models.

Who is the programme for?

It’s not just for senior leaders but middle leaders too. We want to hear from those education professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds working in a range of sectors:

  • Local Government Education Services
  • Non-maintained settings
  • Special schools
  • Maintained primary, secondary and all-age schools
  • Further education (FE) colleges
  • Initial teacher education (ITE) providers

You’ll be able to work through the medium of English and/or Welsh, and:

  • Identify as being from an ethnic minority background.
  • Currently work in a school, FE college, ITE provider, Local Authority, Local Government Education Services, non-maintained setting, or special school in Wales and will continue to do so for the duration of the programme.
  • Have at least 5 years’ teaching.
  • Hold a teaching, learning, or well-being responsibility (paid or unpaid).
  • Have the support of your Headteacher, Principal, or employer to enable attendance at face-to-face sessions and inspection activities.

Selection will be based on numbers in each sector, and we may not run groups for every category. Eligible applicants will be kept on a list for future cohorts, should their sector not run this time.

What will the programme cover?

During the programme, you will:

  • Gain experience of our inspection frameworks.
  • Develop inspection and evaluation skills across all areas of education leadership.
  • Deepen your understanding of effective leadership and gain relevant experience to support meeting the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership in Wales.
  • Grow personal effectiveness, leadership, and communication skills, to help address any confidence and experience gaps.
  • Have access to mentoring/coaching with experienced HMI to support your development.
  • Engage in webinars and workshops on communication and leadership skills.
  • Build a collaborative learning network with other participants.

How to apply

Please read the full application pack before applying on the link below

Ethnic Minority Leaders Programme – Application Pack
Apply now

Closing date: Friday 30 May 2025 at 5:00pm