NPQ in Leading Teaching
Build your expertise for leading teaching in your specialist area.
- Develop as a specialist in your role
- Lead high-quality teaching with confidence
- Support effective teaching across your team
- Master curriculum, assessment and adaptive teaching
Why choose the NPQLT with Teach First?
For over 20 years, we’ve trained teachers and leaders to transform the life chances of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We’re one of the largest NPQ providers in the country and rated outstanding by Ofsted for the quality of our leadership training.
The NPQ in Leading Teaching is for current or aspiring subject and phase leaders who want to drive lasting improvements in classroom. Whether you're a head of department, phase leader or aspiring to be one, the NPQLT will help you:
- Develop your expertise in curriculum design, assessment, adaptive teaching and professional development.
- Lead with purpose, creating a culture of high-quality teaching and continuous improvement.
- Support your team to plan effective lessons, meet diverse pupil needs and raise attainment—without increasing workload.
If you work in a school serving disadvantaged communities, you may also be eligible for free one-to-one coaching from an experienced former school leader.
Programme overview
Duration
12 months (plus assessment period)
Who's it for
Teachers leading or aspiring to lead teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase
Cost
Fully funded places available (subject to eligibility)
Self funded: £899 plus VAT
Delivery
Blended learning: online modules, seminars, in-person conferences
Funding
DfE funding available (subject to eligibility)
Start date
November 2025
Your questions about the NPQ in Leading Teaching
- What will I learn on this programme?
Gain the knowledge and tools to lead high-quality teaching through practical, evidence-informed modules, which cover:
- Teaching
- Implementation
- School culture
- How pupils learn
- Classroom practice
- Subject and curriculum
- Adaptive teaching
- Assessment
- Professional development
- Can I get a funded place?
You may be able to get your NPQ fully funded by the Department for Education, depending on your school or setting. You're likely eligible if you work in a state school in the top 50% for pupil premium or your school is on the DfE's RISE list.
- What if I’m not eligible?
You can still apply and self-fund.
Cost for NPQ in Leading Teaching: £899 plus VAT- What do I need to apply?
You’ll need a Teacher Reference Number (TRN), support from your school, and relevant experience.
Need help? Contact us →- 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.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our full NPQ FAQs →
Designed by experts. Delivered locally.
Our programme is built by in our in-house experts and delivered through trusted regional partners. Our delivery partners tailor the learning to your local context, ensuring it’s relevant, practical and impactful.
School leaders are overwhelmingly positive about the impact that training has on participants and their schools.
Lead with confidence
Join a programme rated outstanding by Ofsted and trusted by thousands of teachers nationwide.
Take the next step in your leadership journey.