EHCO - Early Headship Coaching Offer

Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO)

(previously Additional support offer for the NPQ in Headship)

Alongside the reformed suite of NPQs, the DfE introduced an Additional Support Offer (ASO) for new headteachers from autumn 2021. The DfE have made two changes to the Additional Support Offer with immediate effect:

• re-branding the programme to Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO).
• extending the eligibility from the first two years (24 months of headship) in a headship role to the first five years in a headship role.

The offer is an unassessed support package and is based on the latest available evidence on what makes an effective headteacher. The offer is designed for those early on in their headship role and will include structured support elements such as group coaching and networking opportunities. This change is being implemented based on sector feedback.

The additional support offer is available to those who meet the following criteria: 

• have completed an NPQH 

• are studying for an NPQH 

• are about to start an NPQH 

Full scholarship funding for the additional support offer, meaning no cost to the participant, is available for those who meet the following criteria: 

• work in a state-funded school or state funded organisation that offer 16-19 places in England upon starting the training 

• are in their first 24 months of headship 

• have not withdrawn from the additional support programme previously 
   

The additional support offer provides structured, unassessed face-to-face support based on the best available evidence about what makes an effective headteacher. The way in which the additional support offer is delivered may vary between providers, but could include a combination of group coaching, one-to-one support discussions and peer network support. Contact STSN npq@stsn.co.uk to find out more.