NPQ for Leading Literacy

Improve literacy outcomes across your school with the NPQ for Leading Literacy (NPQLL).

The programme will give you the knowledge, tools and confidence to lead effective literacy teaching and drive improvement in reading, writing and communication across all phases.

Develop your expertise in how pupils learn to read and write, and how to support colleagues to deliver high-quality literacy teaching in every subject. You’ll learn how to create a culture where literacy is prioritised, enabling all pupils to access the curriculum and succeed.

This is a nationally recognised qualification designed to help you lead literacy improvement and make a lasting impact on pupil outcomes.

Ideal for English teachers, literacy leads, reading leads, heads of English and leaders responsible for improving literacy across a school or trust.

Teachers and leaders who:

• have responsibility for leading literacy, or aspire to take on this role.
• want to improve reading, writing and communication outcomes across a school.
• are looking to develop expertise in evidence-informed literacy teaching.

On this NPQ for Leading Literacy, you will develop expertise in:

• how pupils develop literacy, including reading, writing, speaking and listening.
• leading the teaching of reading, including phonics, fluency and comprehension.
• supporting high-quality writing across the curriculum.
• developing disciplinary literacy so pupils can access all subjects.
• identifying and addressing barriers to literacy, including for disadvantaged pupils.
• using assessment effectively to inform literacy teaching and intervention.
• supporting and developing colleagues to deliver strong literacy teaching.
• contributing to a whole-school culture that prioritises literacy.

Our NPQ for Leading Literacy is delivered over 12 months through a blended learning model designed to fit around your role in school.

The programme consists of five modules and a final assessment. It includes 36 hours of online self-study, plus virtual school visits and masterclasses, plus three in-person days (each six hours), featuring practice clinics and coaching.

The programme includes:

• Local seminars – apply your learning with expert facilitators and collaborate with peers
• Virtual school visits – see how schools implement effective literacy strategies in practice
• Online masterclasses – hear from literacy and school leadership experts
• Self-study modules – engage with the latest research and evidence-based approaches
• Implementation discussions – structured support to help you apply your learning in your school

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. 

Local seminars take place during the 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.

We have a wide network of delivery locations that allow us to reach participants from most areas. Reach out to your regional delivery team to find out which is closest to you.

North and West: Blackburn, Bolton, Bradford, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

South, East and London: Essex, Hertfordshire, North East London, Norwich, South East London, Suffolk, Sutton, Surrey. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

North and East: Doncaster, Gateshead, Grimsby, Halifax, Leicestershire, Newcastle, Peterlee, Redcar, Tyne and Wear, Washington. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

South and West: Birmingham, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dudley, Gloucestershire, Sandwell, Somerset, South Staffordshire, Swindon, Walsall, Worcester. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

• Develop specialist expertise in literacy leadership
• Build confidence to lead literacy improvement across your school
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification
• Apply evidence-informed approaches to improve pupil outcomes
• Strengthen your career progression opportunities

• Improved literacy outcomes across subjects and phases
• Greater consistency in literacy teaching
• Stronger support for disadvantaged pupils and those with additional needs
• Increased staff expertise in literacy and curriculum delivery

To complete the NPQLL, you will:

• engage fully with the programme.
• complete a written, ‘open book’ assessment (up to 1,500 words).

The assessment:

• takes place over an eight-day window.
• tests 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 you gain your accreditation.

This programme is suitable for:

• teachers responsible for, or aspiring to lead, literacy within a school.

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

Applications for the November 2026 cohort are now open. You can apply here.

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 Leading Literacy costs £850.

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

• School-led – learn from experienced practitioners working in schools today
• Evidence-informed – grounded in the latest research on literacy and learning
• Designed for impact – apply your learning directly in your classroom and school
• Built around your role – manageable alongside your teaching commitments
• Collaborative – learn with peers and build a strong professional network

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