The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the Principals Professional Council (PPC) are set to merge in line with government reforms to education for students aged 14 to 19. This is to ensure that the two organisations represent educational leaders across the entire lifespan and safeguard the strides made in recognising the significance of further education. The PPC is currently withdrawing from the Association of Colleges where it has been part of for the last 10 years to develop its unique voice in the sector. By merging, members of both organisations will be able to enjoy greater benefits and share views, training and curriculum development between the school and college sectors. This move complements government plans to implement diplomas, which are a mix of school and college courses and to raise the education or training leaving age to 18. While both organisations will retain their independence under the union, the objective is to fortify the voice of education leaders working collectively at the national level. Mick Brookes, NAHT General Secretary, said that the union is set to develop the concept of unified representation for educational leadership under a new federated model, while PPC’s general secretary, Michael Thrower, added that the merger would strengthen the FE sectors’ leadership’s political voice at the national negotiating table. The announcement comes as the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and the Association of College Managers revealed that they are considering merging later this year.
