At a glance

 

Course duration
Course duration
18 - 21 Months

Master credits
Master's Credits
40 - 100

Face-to-face events
Face-to-face Events
2 - 6

Online learning
Intakes
Spring/Autumn

Coaching
Delivery
Local

Total learning hours
Total Learning Hours
77-116 hours

 

Why complete a Leadership NPQ?

Successful senior leaders need a well-rounded view of school leadership, going beyond just your current areas of responsibility. Each NPQ allows you to fill any knowledge gaps that you may have. This is vital preparation for moving into both senior and strategic roles.

Who should apply?

We encourage both current and aspiring leaders to apply for their chosen NPQ programme. Aspiring school leaders gain the knowledge and skills needed to progress into their new roles.

Current school leaders make up a large proportion of our participants. They benefit from being able to update and hone their leadership styles according to the latest evidence and research. To be eligible, please bear in mind that you will need at least 2 full years teaching experience.

  

National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)


This programme is ideal for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities.

Find out more

National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)


This programme is ideal for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school.

Find out more

National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL)


This programme is ideal for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, an executive headteacher with responsibility for leading more than one school.

Find out more

National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)


This programme is for leaders qualified to at least Level 3 with a full and relevant qualification who are, or are aspiring to be, nursery managers, headteachers and childminders.

Find out more

Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO)


This programme gives you the necessary help and support to flourish as a headteacher. This programme is designed to offer additional support to leaders who are within the first 5 years of headship as well as those currently looking to complete NPQ for Headship (NPQH) with Best Practice Network.

Find out more

View our Leadership NPQ guide

 

Leader Programmes with NPQ

NPQH and NPQEL can also be completed alongside a Level 7 apprenticeship whilst NPQSL can be completed alongside a Level 5 apprenticeship. The apprenticeship route is up to 100% fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy Fund. It offers an integrated learning approach with a personal coach, 1:1 reviews, and online learning. On completion, you will be awarded an extra recognised apprenticeship standard as well as your NPQ.

 

School Leader Programme (with NPQSL) Level 5

For aspiring or recently appointed senior leaders looking to improve their leadership capability.

Find out more

Headteacher Programme (with NPQH) Level 7

For aspiring or recently appointed headteachers looking to develop and apply the knowledge that underpins expert school leadership.

Find out more

Executive Leader Programme (with NPQEL) Level 7

For current and aspiring Executive Leaders wishing to lead change and improvement across a group of schools or multi-academy trust.

Find out more

 

 

"I would like to express how delighted we are as a school with the NPQ programme so far. I have two members of staff participating and the skills and knowledge they have gained so far is incredible."

Rebecca Lyon | Headteacher | Barkston & Syston CoE Primary School

 

HR Advice

Scholarships

Scholarship information for the Autumn 2024 Cohort has not yet been announced by the Department for Education.

Submit your application and once we have confirmation on scholarship funding, we will be in touch with you.

    HR Advice

    Targeted Support funding

    The department has updated the Targeted Support Fund offer for the 2023 and Spring 2024 Cohorts to further incentivise state-funded schools and state-funded 16-19 educational settings in England to participate in NPQs.

    For each teacher or leader they employ who takes an NPQ:

    • State-funded primary schools with one to 150 pupils will receive a grant payment of £800
    • State-funded primary schools with more than 150 pupils will recieve a grant payment of £200
    • State-funded secondary schools and state-funded 16 to 19 educational settings with one to 600 pupils will recieve a grant payment of £200

    Targeted support funding is not available for participants taking the Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) unless they're also taking another NPQ course.

    If you work in a school, you can search the Get Information About Schools (GIAS) database to check how many pupils are recorded for your school.

    If you work in a 16 to 19 education setting, you can check the list of 16 to 19 organisations eligible for targeted support funding.

    Contact DfE