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, check whether your school is part of one of our delivery partners (a selection of teaching school hubs and multi-academy trusts working with us to deliver our NPQs).
If it is, then once you have registered with the Department for Education (DfE), your delivery partner will be in touch with you directly to complete your application.
Before applying, get your headteacher or CPD lead’s 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:
Your TRN (Teacher Reference Number)
Your School URN (Unique Reference Number) or organisation's Ofsted URN
Find your Teacher Reference Number if you've forgotten it.
Eligibility
- 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 and prior experience of working in 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 or without QTS. This should be done well in advance of the application deadline, to make sure you have your TRN and are able to register before applications close.
Funding
We will update this page when we have more information on funding for 2025/26.