NPQ FAQs
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about our NPQ programmes.
Application
- What should I check before starting an application?
Before applying, get your headteacher, executive lead or chair of governors agreement to:
- fund the cost of the programme if your school is not eligible for DfE funding, or you are eligible but are not awarded a funded space
- arrange cover for live training sessions (where possible these will be arranged out of school hours)
- cover any travel expenses for any in-person training sessions
- What information do I need to hand when completing the registration form?
You'll need:
- The NPQ course you want to take
- To confirm that Teach First is your Lead Provider of choice
- Your TRN (Teacher Reference Number)
- The address of your workplace
- An Ofsted URN (if working in early years or childcare)
Find your Teacher Reference Number if you've forgotten it.
If you do not have a TRN, the DfE will provide you with one as part of the NPQ registration process.
- Where are the NPQs delivered?
We work with a selection of teaching school hubs, multi-academy trusts and educational training providers, who deliver our NPQs across the country – these are known as our delivery partners.
Once you have registered with the Department for Education (DfE), we will direct your registration to your local delivery partner, and they will be in touch with you directly to complete your application.
- What happens after I register?
After you register on the DfE service, we’ll match you with a delivery partner who will contact you to confirm your place and next steps. Our aim is to contact you within 5 working days.
- Where can I find information on your delivery partners?
More information about our delivery partners can be found here.
- Where can I find out about events?
Event details are managed by delivery partners. Your delivery partner will share relevant information once your application is confirmed.
Eligibility
- Who is eligible for an NPQ?
Specialist NPQs are designed 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.
Leadership NPQs are designed 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.
Qualified teacher status (QTS) is not a requirement for eligibility as some NPQs may be suitable for those in non-teaching or leadership roles.
- Can I apply for the NPQ if I am based in a grammar, independent or international school?
Our delivery partners can support applications from grammar, independent and international schools.
When applying, you should ensure you are able to meet any in-person requirements for the programme. We therefore recommend you request this information directly from your delivery partner.
- Can I apply for an NPQ if I am currently not based in a school?
While the design and delivery of our programme is centred on teachers and leaders working in schools and other educational settings, we are aware that individuals not currently working in schools may also wish to join the programme.
This is possible but there are elements of the course that will be more relevant and accessible if you are able to implement some practice in school. Prior experience of working in a school or educational setting will be a consideration at application screening.
- Can I apply for an NPQ if I don’t have qualified teacher status (QTS)?
Qualified Teacher Status is not a requirement to be eligible for an NPQ, but you must have a Teacher Reference Number. This can be provided by GOV.UK for those that require a reminder. If you do not have a TRN, this will be provided by the DfE as part of the registration process.
- Can I apply if I am self-employed?
Yes, you can apply for an NPQ if you’re self-employed and have suitable experience for the programme you’re applying to. However, you may not be eligible for a funded place, so you would need to self-fund your place. Prices for self-funded places can be found on each NPQ page.
- Can I apply if I live outside the UK?
You may be able to apply, but DfE funding is only available for eligible applicants working in state-funded schools in England. If applying from outside England, you’ll need to self-fund and ensure you can meet any in-person requirements. Your delivery partner will confirm eligibility and options.
Funding
- Which NPQs are funded for Autumn 2026?
For Autumn 2026, the DfE have confirmed the following will be fully funded for publicly funded schools and settings:
- NPQ in Senior Leadership
- NPQ in Early Years Leadership
- NPQ in Headship
- NPQ for SENCOs
The Early Headship Coaching Offer will also continue to be fully funded.
- What is the funding criteria for other NPQs that are not fully funded?
For all other NPQs, funded places will continue to target teachers and leaders working in schools and settings serving disadvantaged communities, including:
- schools in the top 50% for pupil premium
- schools identified for Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) targeted intervention support
- eligible early years settings identified using disadvantage measures
- eligible 16–19 educational settings identified by the DfE as having high levels of disadvantage
- How does funding work?
DfE funding is available for most teachers and leaders working in state-funded schools in England, subject to eligibility criteria and funding availability. Funding covers the programme fee; schools are responsible for any associated costs such as travel or cover.
The DfE will confirm eligibility for funding at the point of registration.
Full information on funding can be found here.
- Is funding available for returning teachers?
Teachers engaged with the Return to Teaching Advisory (RTTA) Support Service may be eligible for funded places across all NPQs. Applicants will need to have engaged with RTTA, actively looking for roles in public-funded education and based in England. Applicants should inform the delivery partner if they meet this criterion.
- How much does an NPQ cost if you’re self-funding?
If you are not eligible for DfE funding, the fees for the Autumn 2026 cohort are as follows:
- NPQ in Leading Teaching £899 + VAT
- NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture £899 + VAT
- NPQ in Leading Teacher Development £899 + VAT
- NPQ in Leading Literacy £899 + VAT
- NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics £899 + VAT
- NPQ in Senior Leadership £1090 + VAT
- NPQ in Early Years Leadership £1090 + VAT
- NPQ in Headship £1885 + VAT
- NPQ in Executive Leadership £3890 + VAT
- NPQ for SENCOs £1265 + VAT
- Early Headship Coaching Offer £800 + VAT
- Will I need to pay if I don’t complete the programme?
Full payment of the fees is required at the start of the programme. If you are unable to start or withdraw from the programme within the first 3 months, you may be entitled to a 50% refund of the fees.
Programme content
- What will I learn?
Each NPQ is built around evidence-based modules aligned to the DfE frameworks. You’ll develop practical knowledge and skills tailored to your role, with a focus on improving outcomes for pupils.
- How long does it take?
Specialist NPQs take 12 months to complete (excluding assessment results) and leadership NPQs take 18 months to complete (excluding assessment results).
- How is it delivered?
Training is delivered by our trusted regional delivery partners through a mix of flexible online learning, live seminars and in-person events local to your area. Your delivery partner will confirm the dates and locations of any in-person events at the beginning of your programme.
- What qualification will I receive?
On completion, you’ll receive a nationally recognised, DfE-accredited National Professional Qualification (NPQ) certificate for your chosen programme.
After applying
- When will I be contacted?
After you register with Teach First, we’ll match you with a delivery partner who will contact you to confirm your place and next steps. Our aim is to contact you within 5 working days.
- What happens next?
When you’re matched, your delivery partner will be in touch with next steps. They’ll also share your training schedule and access details, and support you throughout the programme, including onboarding and assessment preparation.
- What if I don’t hear back?
If you haven’t heard anything within 5 working days of registering, please contact us so we can check your application and ensure it’s being processed correctly.