NPQLTD for ITT lead mentors

Frequently asked questions

Why are you offering additional optional content for lead mentors of initial trainee teachers?

As the largest ITT provider in the country, we wanted to make sure our NPQLTD can offer lead mentors all the benefits of our high quality NPQ itself and the ITT-focused content we have developed by drawing on our extensive experience.

In Autumn 2024, applicants who are ITT Lead Mentors for providers accredited to deliver ITT from 2024 are eligible for scholarship funding the NPQ for Leading Teacher Development.

This includes ITT Lead Mentors working in non-school settings and in school settings that are not on the high disadvantage list.

This eligibility does not include people who are ‘planning to become a Lead Mentor’ as they must already be in role.

I’m a lead mentor employed by a university, teaching school hub or other ITT provider. Is the NPQLTD for me and will the content be relevant?

Yes, the NPQLTD is designed to provide you with the training you need. The Department for Education (DfE) are requiring from 2024 that all ITT lead mentors undertake a certain number of hours of training prior to taking on the lead mentor role. The DfE is recommending the NPQLTD as the preferred training option, though it is possible to take other types of training instead. The evidence-based content set out in the NPQLTD on the design and delivery of professional development is of central relevance for ITT.  

Alongside our high quality NPQLTD - which includes important content on expert-led conversations about classroom practice (including mentoring and coaching), you’ll be able to access ITT-specific curriculum content to support you in your specific teacher development role. 

If you’re not based in a school setting, our NPQLTD means you can take advantage of training alongside a diverse group of fellow educators with lots of different perspectives. You can learn from each other’s experiences and bounce ideas off each other during group sessions and collaborative practical tasks. And you’ll have the chance to build strong partnerships with school-based leaders and understand what schools want. 

I’m a lead mentor employed by a non-school setting (such as a university or other ITT provider); do I need to fund the NPQLTD myself?

In Autumn 2024, applicants who are ITT Lead Mentors for providers accredited to deliver ITT from 2024 are eligible for scholarship funding for the NPQ for Leading Teacher Development.

This includes ITT Lead Mentors working in non-school settings and in school settings that are not on the high disadvantage list.

This eligibility does not include people who are ‘planning to become a Lead Mentor’ as they must already be in role.

I’m a lead mentor interested in/doing the NPQLTD. What does the additional initial teacher training (ITT) content include and is it compulsory?

If you are a lead mentor for trainee teachers, you will follow exactly the same programme as anyone else on the NPQLTD.  

However, in addition, we’re offering optional ITT-specific content to equip lead mentors with the knowledge they need to effectively mentor trainee teachers. Although the content is not compulsory, lead mentors will be able to benefit from this focused content developed by our curriculum experts at Teach First, the largest ITT provider in the country.  

Topics covered in the additional content include:  

• Understanding and applying the Core Content Framework to your ITT offer 
• ITT reforms and what it means for you  
• What ITT is and isn’t – common misconceptions 
• Mentoring and coaching for initial teacher trainees / novice teachers 
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in ITT 
• Partnership working in ITT.

Ready to apply?

Apply now

Browse all of our NPQ programmes

Return to the NPQs Knowledge base.