Professional Standards for Leaders
Defining great leadership across FE and skills
The ETF Professional Standards for Leaders describe what effective, values-driven leadership looks like. They provide a shared framework to help leaders at every level reflect on their practice, develop their capability, and strengthen their organisation’s impact.
Developed with sector leaders, researchers and practitioners, the Standards recognise the complexity of leadership in education today. From strategic decision-making and governance to culture, people development and learner outcomes. Published in 2021, they guide leaders through the challenges of change, collaboration and innovation across a diverse and evolving sector.
Why leadership standards matter
Strong leadership drives improvement, inclusion and excellence across FE and skills.
Using the Professional Standards helps leaders to:
- Build confident, evidence-informed leadership practice
- Strong collaboration and shared purpose across teams
- Support professional learning and talent development
- Align leadership behaviour with organisational values
- Improve outcomes for learners, staff and communities
Three core principles
Professional Values and Attributes
Seven standards that focus on how teachers and trainers act. Promoting reflection, curiosity, collaboration and professional integrity.
They help educators develop the judgment to understand what works best for their learners and context.
Professional Knowledge and Understanding
Five standards that emphasise subject expertise, pedagogical knowledge and understanding of learners’ needs.
They highlight the importance of evidence-informed practice, inclusivity and ongoing professional learning
Professional Skills
Eight standards that describe the practical application of knowledge and values.
They support effective planning, motivation, coaching, assessment and the creation of engaging learning experiences.
Four sets of leadership Standards
The Professional Standards for Leaders recognise that leadership looks different at different stages of responsibility. They set clear expectations while promoting consistency, aspiration and development across the sector.
ETF provides four tailored sets of Standards:
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Aspiring Leaders - for those preparing to move into leadership roles
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Middle Leaders - for those managing teams and leading practice
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Senior Leaders - for those shaping strategic direction and delivery
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CEOs and Principals - for those leading organisations and influencing systems
Each set is underpinned by ten core leadership themes that connect leaders across roles and contexts. Themes describe the qualities and practices that define excellent leadership across FE and skills. Ensuring alignment across all levels of leadership and provide a common language for professional learning and development.
Explore the ETF Leadership Standards
Aspiring Leaders
Aspiring Leaders Standards outline what effective early leadership looks like and help educators prepare for the next step in their career.
They offer insight into core leadership behaviours and priorities to support transition from practitioner to leader.
Middle Leaders
The Middle Leaders Standards provide a structured approach to management and leadership for those responsible for teams, curriculum areas or projects.
They focus on collaboration, communication, and leading improvement through others.
Senior Leaders
The Senior Leaders Standards guide those shaping strategy, delivery and organisational culture.
They emphasise system leadership, evidence-based decision-making and aligning people, purpose and performance.
CEOs/Principals
The CEO and Principal Standards describe the expectations of executive leadership in FE and skills.
They promote strategic vision, ethical leadership and influence beyond the organisation — strengthening the system as a whole.
Additional Professional Standards resources
Leadership Development
A shared pathway for confident, connected leadership
Great leadership builds great organisations. ETF's leadership development offer is shaped by national standards and sector-wide input, providing clear progression routes from aspiring leader to CEO. Whether you're nurturing talent within your team or building a pipeline of future leaders, our open and in-house programmes equip people with the mindset, skills and strategic clarity to lead lasting change.