When school leaders grow, schools transform. The reformed NPQs were designed as part of the sector’s “golden thread” of evidence‑informed professional development. These clear, coherent pathways build expertise across an educator’s career. Pairing NPQs with high‑quality apprenticeships turns that thread into a rope: it strengthens capability, widens perspective and anchors learning in day‑to‑day practice.

Our Rationale

For Leadership NPQs, we have paired both the NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and the NPQ for Headship (NPQH) with the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship because the frameworks speak the same language and the apprenticeship adds depth where schools need it most. The NPQSL and NPQH focus on culture, organisational management and implementation. For example, NPQH requires leaders to “manage resources and risks effectively to ensure the trust’s financial and operational sustainability” while the Level 5 standard includes “developing and delivering operational plans” and “managing budgets and financial forecasts.” Together, they create leaders who can plan improvement and deliver it with precision.

For Specialist NPQs we have mapped the NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC), NPQ for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) and NPQ for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) to the Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship. The NPQLBC expects leaders to “establish and sustain a positive culture and behaviour,” while the Level 3 standard requires “supporting, managing and developing team members” and “building relationships across teams.” Similarly, the NPQLTD focuses on “designing and delivering effective professional development,” which aligns with the apprenticeship’s emphasis on “coaching and mentoring to support development.” These overlaps ensure that middle leaders gain both the educational expertise and the practical leadership skills to turn plans into habits in classrooms and corridors.

Why This Combination Matters

NPQs set the vision; apprenticeships provide the tools. Both routes require real‑world application, but apprenticeships go further by assessing impact through projects and professional discussions, embedding habits that last. They also bring cross‑sector insights, structured coaching and professional recognition, adding credibility and confidence to your leadership journey.

Choice and Tailoring

Every leader’s context is different, so we’ve designed pathways that allow you to select the apprenticeship and NPQ combination that fits your role and experience. Whether you’re stepping into senior leadership or shaping practice as a middle leader, the programme is mapped and tailored for you. What’s important to note is that funding rules mean you cannot complete the Level 5 apprenticeship twice, so if you choose NPQSL with Level 5 now, you cannot later complete the NPQH with the Level 5. That’s why we help you choose the right route from the start, ensuring your development aligns with your ambitions.

Greater Impact in Schools

This dual‑award approach isn’t about collecting qualifications; it’s about multiplying impact. Our vision is simple: every pupil deserves an excellent education, and that starts with exceptional leadership. By combining NPQs with apprenticeships, we equip leaders not only with knowledge but with the operational and people‑management skills to make change stick. It’s the difference between knowing the route and reaching the destination: between planning improvement and delivering it.

If you’re ready to turn professional learning into whole‑school change, choose the pathway that pairs the right NPQ with the right apprenticeship. Together, we’ll build leaders who don’t just lead, they transform.

Programmes Available

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLT

• Awards: NPQ for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) & Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship
• For those currently, or aspiring to, lead teaching in a subject, year group, or phase

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLTD

• Awards: NPQ for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) & Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship
• For those currently, or aspiring to be,  responsible for leading the development of other teachers

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC

• Awards: NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) & Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship
• For those currently, or aspiring to, lead behaviour and supporting pupil wellbeing

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSL

• Awards: NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) & Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship.

• For school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, senior leaders with cross-school responsibilities

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH

• Awards: NPQ for Headship (NPQH) & Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship.
• For those who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school

Want to Know More?

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 Email: npq@bestpracticenet.co.uk

 Tel: 0117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)