School Leaders Scotland

Welcome to the website for School Leaders Scotland. In it you will find a range of information about us and key contact details for officers.

School Leaders Scotland is an association deliberately designed to meet the needs of senior leaders in Scottish secondary schools and as such represents the majority of these in Scotland. The services provided cover everything you would expect from such an association but are also bolstered by our close links with ASCL in England, Wales and Northern Ireland giving us access to the resources of a much large association with the national and international clout that such links also bring.

As you will see from the side panel we regularly post information on current issues, notably recently the pension situation.

SLS operates through a Council representing geographical areas, public and private sectors and the range of our membership. From the Council, an Executive is elected and between the two meets around 5 or 6 times a year. The Presidential Team meets frequently and represents the association at the highest level.

The association is supported by Lyn and Margaret in the Office; Alastair Noble as Field Officer; Alan Jones our Events Manager; Mhairi Moore, our HE Adviser and myself as General Secretary. All have many years experience of supporting members. Our legal and personal support is second to none.

Our cpd opportunities are open to members and non-members. These events are always highly recommended and evaluations have always been extremely positive. This is because we tailor these very carefully directly to our members' needs, use knowledgeable and experienced presenters and keep costs to a minimum in these financially straitened times while still maintaining high standards of content and location. Part of this service is our renowned annual National Education conference. This is an event in the country’s calendar not to be missed. Please remember also that at any time we are happy to take your calls or e-mails and will try to get back to you within 24 hours. We have a wealth of expertise and support ready to hand.

There is no better time to join the association. The association has grown significantly in the last year or so despite a huge exodus from the profession over the last few years due to retirement but it is good to know thankfully their replacements can find in their SLS colleagues exactly the kind of professional support that will see them through these difficult, challenging but potentially rewarding times. If you are an HT or DHT, a Faculty Head or Principal Teacher looking to move into senior leadership or a Business Manager with senior leadership responsibility then you should join your colleagues in SLS. You will be made most welcome. I have often heard from colleagues retiring that they owed so much over their career to the comradeship and support of HAS/SLS, a view I personally share.

You will also see our latest membership offer. If you are considering joining SLS now is the time to do so. Why not take advantage of our new membership offer? Join between 1st May and 31st December 2013 and pay only half price membership fees for your first 6 months.

We have a long history of being key players in Scottish education. We hope that influence will continue to grow even stronger in the years ahead. Please help us to strengthen the organisation even more by recommending colleagues to join. Application forms can be found in our "why join" section.

Ken Cunningham CBE
General Secretary