NPQ for Executive Leadership

Lead beyond a single school and shape education at system level with the NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL).

The programme will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead across multiple schools or organisations and deliver sustainable improvement at scale.

You’ll develop expertise in strategic leadership, organisational development and system-wide improvement. You’ll learn how to build and lead high-performing teams, work effectively across organisations, and ensure strong governance, accountability and impact.

This is a nationally recognised qualification designed for experienced leaders looking to operate at executive level and drive meaningful change across the education system.

Ideal for headteachers, executive heads, CEOs, directors of education and other trust-level leaders.

School and trust leaders who:

• are, or aspire to be, executive leaders across multiple schools or organisations
• have significant senior leadership experience (e.g. headteachers, executive headteachers, trust leaders)
• want to develop their ability to lead at system level

On this NPQ for Executive Leadership, you will develop expertise in:

• leading strategic direction across multiple schools or organisations
• building and sustaining strong organisational culture at scale
• leading and developing senior leaders and leadership teams
• driving school improvement across a group of schools
• managing organisational change and complexity
• using data and evidence to inform strategic decision-making
• ensuring effective governance, accountability and compliance
• working with external partners, boards and stakeholders
• managing resources, including finance and workforce, across organisations

Our NPQ for Executive Leadership is delivered over 18 months through a blended learning model designed to fit around your role.

The modules:

Module 1: Self-study 1-3, 6 hours online and day 1, 6 hours in person including practice clinics and coaching

Module 2: Self study 4-5, 4 hours online and virtual school visit 1, 90 minutes, online

Module 3: Self-study 6-9, 8 hours online and day 2, 6 hours, in-person, including practice clinics and coaching

Module 4: Self-study 10-11, 4 hours online plus masterclass 1, 1 hour online plus virtual school visit 2, 90 minutes

Module 5: Self-study 12-14, 6 hours online plus day 3, 6 hours, in-person, including practice clinics and coaching

Module 6: Self-study 15-17, 6 hours online plus masterclass 2, 1 hour online

Module 7: Self-study 18-20, 6 hours online plus day 4, 6 hours in-person including practice clinics and coaching

The programme includes:

• National conferences – collaborate with peers and apply learning to your context
• Virtual trust visits – learn from high-performing organisations 
• One to one coaching – apply your learning to scenarios and to your own context, with the feedback and guidance of an expert serving executive leader
• Online masterclasses – hear from experienced executive leaders and sector experts
• Self-study modules – engage with research and evidence-informed leadership practice
• Implementation advisor support – structured support to apply your learning in your organisation

You’ll also have access to a library of masterclasses and resources throughout the programme.

There are typically two to three scheduled sessions each half term, combining online and in-person learning. You should also expect around 4-6 hours of self-study per half term.

NPQ conferences take place during the school working week and during term time. Schools should plan for participant attendance as part of their professional development commitment.

The programme is designed to be manageable alongside your existing role.

The programme is delivered as a national cohort with the four in-person conference locations rotated. The location is based on the geography of the group but to give you an idea, it has previously been London, Birmingham and Nottinghamshire.

We have found that the value of bringing together a national cohort of aspiring and existing executive leaders far outweighs the infrequent travel commitment.

We know that networking and learning from peers in contrasting contexts is vital to the experience at this level of leadership.

• Develop expertise in executive and system-level leadership
• Build confidence to lead across multiple schools or organisations
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification
• Strengthen your strategic leadership and decision-making
• Enhance your career progression into executive roles

• Stronger leadership across multiple schools or settings
• Improved consistency and outcomes at scale
• More effective organisational strategy and implementation
• Increased capacity for sustainable school improvement

To complete the NPQEL, you will:

• engage fully with the programme
• complete a written, ‘open book’ assessment (up to 2,500 words)

The assessment:

• takes place over an eight-day window
• assesses your understanding and application of programme content
• includes two opportunities to pass

We will support you with writing clinics, provide you with live assessment support webinars and self-directed guidance materials before they you gain your accreditation.

This programme is suitable for:

• experienced senior leaders, including headteachers and trust leaders
• those aspiring to executive leadership roles across multiple schools or organisations

Your school may be eligible for scholarship funding, please click here to find out more.

For the November 2026 cohort, applications open on Tuesday 23 June. You can register your interest now.

To apply, you will need:

• full understanding of eligibility criteria
• agreement from school/employer to apply for this programme
• support from school to take part in the programme and implement learning
• your Teacher Reference Number (A TRN is a 7-digit number that uniquely identifies you in the education sector in England. This will be validated with the Department for Education, please ensure you enter the correct TRN. Not sure what your teacher reference number is? You can find out here)
• school/setting unique reference number (URN), address, contact number, number of pupils on roll, % of pupils eligible for free school meals
• a summary of your current leadership responsibilities and a 200-word statement about why you wish to complete this programme
• name, job title and email address of nominated implementation advisor, name, job title and email address of referee and invoicing contact name, address and email address.

For the November 2026 cohort, funding is available to schools with the highest 50% of pupil premium pupils as well as early years and 16 to 19 educational settings identified as having high disadvantage. Find out more about funding and eligibility criteria here.

If your school is not eligible for funding, the NPQ for Executive Leadership costs £3,750.

The National Institute of Teaching is a higher education provider founded by schools, for schools.

• School-led – learn from experienced executive leaders working across the system today
• Evidence-informed – grounded in the latest research on leadership and organisational development
• Designed for impact – apply your learning directly in your organisation
• Built around your role – manageable alongside your leadership responsibilities
• Collaborative – learn alongside peers and build a strong professional network

• NPQ for Early Years Leadership
• NPQ for Senior Leadership
• NPQ for Headship
• Early Headship Coaching
• School Trust CEO Programme