The Basque educational leadership model debuts at University College London
On 10 and 11 March, Begoña Pedrosa, the Basque Minister of Education, will participate in a series of meetings at the UCL Centre for Educational Leadership, a globally recognised institution in educational leadership.
The Basque model of school leadership has garnered significant interest from University College London (UCL). Begoña Pedrosa, from the Basque Department for Education, is currently in London to engage in two working sessions with experts in educational leadership, teacher training, and school management at the UCL Centre for Educational Leadership. During these sessions, Minister Pedrosa will present the Basque pedagogical leadership model, which is founded on principles of stability, professionalisation and collaboration among management teams, while also exploring innovative strategies to further advance education in the Basque Country.
From London, Pedrosa underscored the pivotal role of educational leadership as a catalyst for transformation. She stated: "Educational leadership transcends administrative management; it involves a pedagogical vision, a commitment to continuous improvement, the academic success of all students, and a capacity for innovation. This visit offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the role of management teams as change agents in schools, exchange knowledge with international experts, and further elevate the Basque model of educational leadership.”
A Leadership Model Rooted in Stability and Continuous Improvement
The Basque Government's dedication to establishing stable and highly qualified management teams is exemplified through initiatives such as the comprehensive selection process, training model, and formative assessment of public school management teams, introduced in 2023. Minister Pedrosa highlighted: "Currently, 87% of management teams in the Basque Country maintain their stability, a statistic that reinforces our commitment to the professionalisation of their role and their critical influence on the evolution of the education system.”
The Basque model of educational leadership relies on a robust framework for the initial training of management teams, alongside a formative assessment model (mentoring) characterised by collaborative networks that involve senior managers, inspection teams, and innovation centre advisors. This approach provides structured, effective support to school leaders, enabling their professional development and enhancing their capacity to drive educational success. This system has been recognised by UCL as a distinctive feature that fosters continuous improvement and efficiency in school management.
Basque Educational Leadership on the Global Stage
Minister Pedrosa's visit to University College London marks an important step in the Department for Education’s strategy to strengthen the Basque education system, ensuring its innovation and sustainability. As Pedrosa emphasised: "Our priority is to fortify pedagogical leadership in schools, fostering continuous improvement, equity, and coexistence. Only by doing so can we create an education system that meets the needs of all students and improves their outcomes.”
Beyond the exchange of experiences, this visit also paves the way for future collaborations with UCL. The strength of the Basque model, with its focus on tailored training and evaluation, is seen as a critical driver in progressing towards a more efficient and equitable education system.
Programme
Monday, 10 March
09:30 – Overview of the English Education System.
10:00 – Introduction to the Basque Education System and Key Policy Priorities.
11:30 – "The Golden Thread": Professional Development Pathways for Teachers and School Leaders in England.
12:00 – Mentoring and Professional Development for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) in England.
14:30 – Effective Leadership Development: Foreign Language Teaching Principles and Approaches.
15:30 – National Vocational Qualifications in Educational Leadership in England.
Tuesday, 11 March
09:00 – The Importance of Leadership in Schools and Insights into Successful School Leadership.
10:30 – Visit to the Wandle Teaching School Hub.
15:00 – Debate, Reflections, and Exploring Opportunities for Future Collaboration.
16:30 – Closing Remarks.
