National Professional Qualifications
What are NPQs?
- Department for Education accredited qualifications for teachers and school leaders looking to develop their skills and knowledge.
- A range of 10 qualifications: five for those looking to develop expertise in specialist areas (like behaviour or literacy) and five for leadership. The courses last between 12 and 18 months depending on your chosen NPQ.
- An opportunity to develop a local network of like-minded leaders looking to achieve the same thing as you.
- Designed to fit around busy workloads and existing commitments.
Who are NPQs for?
For those in or aspiring to be in middle and senior leadership roles in English schools.
How much do NPQs cost?
They are funded through DfE scholarships in many state-funded settings in England, subject to availability. Find out more about the eligibility criteria here.
When can I apply?
NPQs are open for applications once a year with an application deadline of November, but this is subject to change each year. This year, applications open on Tuesday 23 June and close on Sunday 22 November for a December start.
Specialist NPQs
NPQ in Leading Teaching
Develop your knowledge of what makes great teaching and lead on whole-school improvement of teaching.
NPQ in Leading Teacher Development
Deepen your knowledge of evidence-informed practices and how to help colleagues embed them.
NPQ in Leading Literacy
Uncover the best research on literacy and how to apply it to your context.
NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture
Become a behaviour specialist and help children develop the attitudes and habits for success in later life.
NPQ in Leading Primary Maths
Build on your existing knowledge and lead colleagues to deliver maths effectively.
Leadership NPQs
NPQ in Early Years Leadership
Develop your knowledge of how children learn and lead on creating an environment where they thrive.
NPQ for SENCOs
Get to grips with statutory requirements and best practice on inclusion across school to have a dramatic impact on children with SEND.
NPQ in Senior Leadership
Develop your strategic and operational leadership to create conditions for colleagues and children to flourish.
NPQ in Headship
Gain the crucial knowledge you need to succeed in this complex and challenging role.
NPQ in Executive Leadership
Deepen your knowledge of key leadership areas and help shape schools that best serve the needs of their communities.
Reasons to study NPQs
School-led
We were founded for schools, by schools, putting what works best for schools at the heart of everything we do
Community
Access a local network of like-minded leaders
Evidence based
Our in-house research function feeds into our programmes, ensuring participants access the latest evidence on what works in education
Fit busy workloads
We design our programmes to balance with existing teacher workloads, ensuring the reading and assessments are manageable and complement day-to-day roles
Designed for impact
Our NPQs have a positive, lasting impact on participants, schools and most importantly, the children they serve