Primary school leaders have broadly welcomed plans to give headteachers in Scotland more power - although some are daunted at the prospect, with one describing it as “terrifying”.

The Scottish government wants to empower Scottish schools by giving them more influence over curriculum design and recruitment.

While some heads have embraced the idea, others - particularly in smaller, primary schools - have been less enthusiastic.

In its response to a consultation on the Education (Scotland) Bill, the Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS) has said the “empowerment of school leaders is welcome” but that it is “important to note” that all headteachers are “at a different point in their own development” and that some will feel daunted by the prospect.

‘Feels like a threat’

In the AHDS document, shared with Tes Scotland, one AHDS member says: “As a new headteacher this is simply terrifying - feels like a threat...”

The AHDS warns that “quality business management support” will be essential to prevent heads being landed with extra work that distracts from improving learning and teaching, and that there is a danger of the plans being “compromised by staffing shortages”.

Another AHDS member said their influence over teaching and learning was already undermined even before the proposed changes by the demand for them to be “covering classes, managing bureaucracy and [carrying] out the tasks that no one else will do because it is not their job”.

However, the AHDS document is unequivocal about the advantages of giving headteachers more freedom to recruit staff, even if there is a danger of increasing workload.

It states: “School leaders are unanimous in their desire to ensure that the staff recruited to their schools are the best fit for the school and pupils.

“There is a potential additional workload created by managing recruitment to posts and, for example, considering large numbers of application forms. Members are clear that they would rather have that workload to ensure that the school has the most appropriate mix of staff and abilities.”

‘Deliver extra help’

A Scottish government spokeswoman said: “Our education reforms are focused on giving schools and headteachers more power and money to raise standards and close the attainment gap. They will deliver extra help for teachers in the classroom, more professional development and a stronger voice for parents and pupils.”

She added: “We welcome feedback in response to our consultation on the Education (Scotland) Bill and will consider all the responses received.”

The consultation closes at midnight tomorrow.

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