At a conference in London addressing new Headteachers, David Blunkett announced the launch of:

• the first activities of a £25 million National College for School Leadership
  
• the Colleges new website, allowing Headteachers access throughout the country
  
• £50 million package for school leadership training and
  
• for the second year running, new Headteachers will receive free laptops to enable them to share good practice.

The Online College will go live on the internet and provide online resource for all school leaders where they will have access to practical information and be able to discuss key leadership issues with international experts and other Headteachers.

The website will also have:

• A 'virtual tour' of the design for the new College HQ
  
• A BBC module about 'Perspectives on Leadership' allowing visitors to test their skills using this video, also BBC Education News and BBC Webwise
  
• Online evidence base of latest research findings worldwide
  
• Include the latest Hay McBer research on models of effective leadership
  
• Provide information about Headship programmes and how to apply
  
• Provide a research evidence base, allow school leaders to learn from exising research on leadership and how best to apply leading thinking in the classroom
  
• Direct links to other websites.

New Headteachers were offered free laptops in exchange for piloting the Talking Heads online community which was proven to be extremely successful. This facility is now on the NCSL website. All new Headteachers will be able to join during 2001, provided they register before the end of 2000. £2.5 million is being invested in this years programme.