A TEESSIDE headteacher has graduated with the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and is now supporting his deputy through the same programme.

Iain Bowran is headteacher at Ash Trees School, Billingham, a primary school for children with learning difficulties.

He has been headteacher at the school since January last year and was previously acting headteacher for 18 months.

He graduated with the NPQH in February and his deputy, Andrew Meynell, began the programme last month.

NPQH is run by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) and is the only professional qualification that offers candidates thorough preparation before they take up their first headship post.

Mr Bowran said: "I'm certain the NPQH will be of great benefit to Andrew. "It has certainly helped me to be more analytical in what I do, plan more strategically and has helped me to focus on school improvement."

In an attempt to continue his professional training, Mr Bowran is now undertaking the Leadership and Management Programme for New Headteachers, which is also run by the NCSL.

This programme is designed for those in their first two years of headship.