Leadership in Education Awards Programme (LEAP)
Which Professional Standards Framework (PSF) should I use?
Please note Advance HE launched the new Professional Standards Framework (PSF) 2023 in January.
We will be continuing to use the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) 2011 until 1st September 2024.
The Leadership in Education Awards Programme (LEAP) supports you in documenting and evidencing your teaching excellence, and is an opportunity for you to receive a formal, national qualification for your teaching.
The below video is a recording of a LEAP Information Session that you may find useful to get an overview of the programme.
AdvanceHE fellowships
LEAP is accredited by AdvanceHE to award Associate, Fellow, Senior and Principal AdvanceHE fellowships. Each category of fellowship is aligned to one of the four Descriptors of the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF). The fellowship category that you apply for will be determined by how much of the Descriptor that you can evidence.
To help you start thinking about which fellowship category is most suitable for you the fellowship categories are:
- Associate Fellow (AFHEA / Descriptor 1) - for those new to teaching, support staff or those who support teaching and learning as a relatively minor part of their role.
- Fellow (FHEA / Descriptor 2) - for those with a more substantive teaching and learning support role.
- Senior Fellow (SFHEA / Descriptor 3) - for those with a significant teaching leadership role and who have had an influence on professional practice beyond their own teaching.
- Principal Fellow (PFHEA / Descriptor 4) - for those who able to demonstrate impact at a strategic level (institutional, national or international context) and a wider commitment to academic practice and leadership in teaching and learning. To find out more about Principal Fellowship watch this video from Professor Judy Williams (LEAP academic lead) on `What is Principal Fellowship?`
If you're still unsure which fellowship category would be the most suitable for you try the AdvanceHE fellowship category tool. The tool has been designed by AdvanceHE to help you determine which category of fellowship is the closest match to your current practice.
To provide you with the most effective support for your fellowship application, LEAP is divided into pathways, each of which has been tailored to the category of fellowship for which you are applying.
Useful links
- LEAP frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- LEAP handbook
- AdvanceHE fellowship [AdvanceHE website]
- UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) [AdvanceHE website]
- AdvanceHE fellowship category tool [AdvanceHE website]
The LEAP timeline: From interest to award
From initial interest to final assessment, here's what you can expect with LEAP:
1. Find out more before you apply
2. Register on the LEAP
3. Gain access to the online learning resource - you will be notified by email when you have access
4. Book and attend LEAP pathway workshop (optional)
6. Submit your LEAP application - via online form
7. Outcome of the application assessment - by email
Important: Please note that all participants should complete their fellowship application within two years of registering with LEAP. If you do not complete within this timeframe, you will need to re-register.
How to join
To join the LEAP and gain access to the LEAP Blackboard space please
Support Available
Information about LEAP workshops and the other support available
Read more
Deadlines and submission
Information on submitting your LEAP application and the application requirements
Read more
Contact
For more information about the Leadership in Education Awards Programme please contact the LEAP Administrator