HMC Pastoral Leadership Qualification (PLQ)

The HMC Pastoral Leadership Qualification (PLQ) is a development programme for pastoral middle leaders in independent senior and junior schools around the world. It is suitable for Heads of Year, Heads of Section, Heads of House (Boarding and Day), Heads of Pupil Support teams etc. The PLQ is designed and delivered in partnership with the UCL/Institute of Education (IOE). We offer a bespoke PLQ for pastoral leaders working in Junior and Prep schools as well as a programme which is bespoke to the Scottish educational system.

Whilst aspiring pastoral leaders may also take part, the training sessions and portfolio activities are primarily intended for those already in post, and HMCPD’s ‘Preparing to be a Pastoral Leader’ is likely to provide more appropriate content for those aspiring to pastoral leadership. Colleagues who are not currently pastoral leaders should discuss in school whether the PLQ is an appropriate course for them.  They are also welcome to contact HMC at [email protected] to discuss. Experienced colleagues who are beginning to consider deputy head positions may possibly find HMCPD’s ‘Preparing for Senior Leadership’ course of greater relevance.

Please see the PLQ Briefing Document for more information about the programme.

For information:

• Five Level 1 clusters are running in the 2025-26 academic year. Four of these will follow the “original” PLQ model with two face-to-face training days (autumn term and spring term), including a cluster for the Junior sector, and the fifth will be an online course.
• Three Level 2 clusters are running in the 2025-26 academic year with two being face-to-face, including one for the Junior sector, and one online.

To book a place on a 2025/26 PLQ Cluster, please select from the booking links below:

PLQ Level 1 (London Cluster 1)

PLQ Level 1 (London Cluster 2)

PLQ Level 1 (Midlands Cluster)

PLQ Level 1 (Junior Cluster)

PLQ Level 1 (Online Cluster)

PLQ Level 2 (London Cluster)

PLQ Level 2 (Junior Cluster)

PLQ Level 2 (Online Cluster)

For the PLQ Junior Cluster briefing document, please visit HERE

Information for mentors

Information for mentors is available here.