National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
Expert training to lead with confidence and make a difference.
Ready to lead with confidence?
Our National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) give you the knowledge, tools and support to grow your leadership - and make a real impact in your setting.
Expert-led and Ofsted-rated outstanding, our NPQs are delivered through a trusted national network of delivery partners. This means you’ll access high-quality training that’s tailored to your local context.
Flexible, fully funded for many and backed by free coaching for eligible schools, our NPQs are trusted by school leaders nationwide.
Apply by 10 October to secure a funded place (subject to eligibility).
Why choose an NPQ?
✓ Flexible and fits around your schedule
✓ Designed by schools, rated outstanding by Ofsted
✓ Tailored to your role and setting
✓ DfE funding available (subject to eligibility)
✓ Join a passionate network striving for educational equality
✓ Free coaching for eligible schools
Which NPQ is right for you?
Specialist NPQs
For classroom teachers and middle leaders looking to lead in a specific area of practice, such as a head of year, subject lead, or CPD, literacy or maths lead.
Includes:
NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM)
Leadership NPQs
For current or aspiring leaders with whole-school or cross-school responsibilities, including senior leaders, headteachers, trust leaders and SENCOs aiming to drive improvement at scale.
Includes:
NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
Funding and eligibility
NPQ scholarships are available for teachers and school leaders in England to access a funded NPQ.
We recommend applying by 10 October to secure your place.
Final application deadline: 12 November.
Scholarship funding is available for teachers and leaders in England. We've broken down the eligibility criteria below to help you check if you're covered.
- Who’s eligible for a funded place?
You may be eligible if you:
- Work in a state-funded school or 16–19 setting in the top 50% for pupil premium
- Are in an early years or post-16 setting identified using disadvantage measures
- Work in a school on the DfE’s RISE targeted intervention list
- Which NPQs remain fully funded?
The following NPQs remain fully funded for all teachers and leaders in state-funded settings:
- NPQ for SENCOs
- NPQ in Headship
- Early Headship Coaching Offer
- What do I need to apply?
You’ll need:
- A valid Teacher Reference Number (TRN)
- Support from your school or organisation (confirmed in writing)
- Relevant experience (see individual programme pages)
Some self-employed applicants (e.g. SENCO or Early Years Practitioner) may also be eligible – for more details fill in the contact form.
- Not eligible? You can still apply and pay
- Specialist NPQs: £899 plus VAT
- Leadership NPQs: £1,149–£1,899* plus VAT
- Executive NPQs: £3,899 plus VAT
*Please see the specific programme page for pricing.
Think you might be eligible or planning ahead?
Register your interest to get updates about upcoming NPQ opportunities.
98% of our programme members
were satisfied with their NPQ.
What our NPQ programme members say
The NPQ allowed me to develop as a leader even more than I imagined – and in such a short space of time.
- Daniel Strachan, NPQ in Leading Teaching
The NPQ gave me the skills to plan and embed high-quality CPD – and design training that makes a real impact.
- Stephen Daniell, NPQ in Leading Teacher Development
The NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture developed my leadership and helped me support colleagues to improve behaviour and culture across our school.
- Reece Fitzgerald, NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture
The NPQ for Headship and Early Headship Coaching gave me the tools, support and confidence to lead real change - and the results speak for themselves.
- Jenna Allen, Headteacher and NPQH
The NPQ in Early Years Leadership gave me the skills to reflect, lead improvements in Early Years practice and support others to do the same.
- Tara Thorne, NPQ in Early Years Leadership
Your NPQ questions answered
- Can I do an NPQ while working full time?
Yes. NPQs are designed to fit around your existing role. The flexible structure includes short online learning, live seminars and occasional in-person sessions – manageable alongside a full-time job.
- How am I assessed?
To successfully complete the NPQ in Leading Teaching, you’ll need to engage with at least 90% of the course and pass a final, open-book assessment. This involves submitting a written response (up to 1,500 words) to a case study, completed during an 8-day window at the end of the programme. You’ll be able to refer back to course materials as you apply your learning to a realistic leadership scenario.
- What support will I get?
You’ll get access to expert facilitators, peer discussion, and optional one-to-one coaching if you work in an eligible school. Your provider will support you throughout.
- How is the training delivered?
Training blends online learning (via Brightspace), online seminars and in-person conferences. It’s spaced across the programme to support workload balance.
- Which NPQ is right for me?
It depends on your role and goals. Specialist NPQs are ideal for classroom and middle leaders, while Leadership NPQs suit those with wider school or trust responsibilities.
Need more information?
Visit our NPQ FAQs for detailed guidance.
Of our programme members,
92%
felt more equipped to meet the demands of their role after completing their NPQ.
(NPQ 3b Specialist Endpoint Survey)
Stay informed and be the first to know
Applications are currently closed, but you can still take the next step.