NPQ in Senior Leadership

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Become a confident senior school leader.

  • Grow your expertise in whole-school leadership.
  • Create a culture where all pupils can succeed .
  • Lead impactful change across your school.
  • Join a passionate network striving for educational equality.

Why choose the NPQSL with Teach First?

For over 20 years, Teach First has trained teachers and leaders to raise outcomes in disadvantaged communities. We’re one of England’s largest NPQ providers and rated outstanding by Ofsted for our leadership development.

The NPQ in Senior Leadership is for teachers who are, or want to be, senior leaders with cross-school responsibilities. It will help you:

  • Strengthen your leadership practice to drive school-wide improvement
  • Build a positive school culture where staff and pupils succeed
  • Lead strategic change using evidence-informed approaches

If you work in a school serving disadvantaged communities, you may also be eligible for free one-to-one coaching from a former senior leader to support you throughout the programme.

Register your interest

Programme overview

Duration 
18 months (+ assessment period)

Who is it for? 
Teachers who are, or aspire to be, senior leaders with cross-school responsibilities

Cost
Fully funded places available (subject to eligibility) 
Self funded: £1090 + VAT

Delivery 
Blended learning: online modules,  online seminars, in-person conferences

Start date 
November 2025 

What will I learn on this programme?

You’ll learn how to lead effective whole-school change, support colleagues and drive improvement across key areas like curriculum, behaviour and staff development.

Modules include:

  • School/trust culture  
  • Implementation
  • Governance and accountability  
  • Organisational management  
  • Behaviour  
  • Teaching  
  • Curriculum and assessment  
  • Additional special educational needs  and disabilities  
  • Professional development  
  • Working in partnership 

Can I get a funded place?

Most teachers in England can get a fully funded place. 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.
Check eligibility on GOV.UK →

What if I’m not eligible?

You can still apply and self-fund.
Cost for NPQ in Senior Leadership: £1090 + VAT

How do I apply for the NPQSL?

To apply, you’ll need:

  • Full support from your school or organisation (confirmed in writing)
  • A valid Teacher Reference Number (TRN)

Getting started is easy: 
Register with the Department for Education, then complete your application with help from your chosen delivery partner. 

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.  

Find your local delivery partner.

Funded by Department for Education
Ofsted Outstanding Provider - logo for Teach First
Each programme fosters rich professional networks that enable participants to hone their professional practice.
NPQ Ofsted report 2024

Ready to lead whole-school change?

Join a programme rated outstanding by Ofsted and trusted by thousands of teachers nationwide.

Take the next step in your leadership journey. 

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