National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)

There are four specialist NPQs for teachers and school leaders who want to broaden their expertise in particular areas. The following programmes are for those who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading teaching in a subject or year, leading behaviour and/or supporting pupil wellbeing in their school, or leading the development of other teachers in their school. (Click on the links below for further information).

• NPQ for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) - developing teachers who are subject leads or responsible for improving teaching practice in a subject or phase.
• NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) - developing teachers who have responsibilities for leading behaviour and culture.
• NPQ for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) – supporting the training and development of others, including early career teachers.
• NPQ for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) - for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading literacy across a school, year group, key stage or phase

For those looking to progress into senior leadership and beyond, the following NPQs build foundational knowledge to rapidly progress your school, education setting or trust’s key improvement priorities – all while creating and embedding a culture that allows your school/eduction setting, staff and pupils to thrive:

• NPQ for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) - for leaders qualified to at least Level 3 with a full and relevant qualification who are, or are aspiring to be, managers of private, voluntary and independent nurseries, headteachers of school-based and maintained nurseries, or childminders with leadership responsibilities.
• NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) - for existing and aspiring leaders, who have cross-school responsibilities.
• NPQ for Headship (NPQH) - for both new and aspiring Headteachers. 
• NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) - for leaders who are, or who are aspiring to be, an executive headteacher or have a Trust CEO role with responsibility for leading several schools.

From February 2024 we will also be offering the new NPQ for Leading Primary Maths (NPQLPM). This NPQ is for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading primary mathematics teaching across a school, key stage or phase and requires at least one year of engagement with Maths Mastery to be eligible to apply.

Further information on each of the qualifications is available in our NPQ brochure, attached at the bottom of the page.

Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) - this is aimed at new headteachers taking the NPQH in their first five years of headship.

One to One Support Offer - Teach First is offering free one-to-one support on all of the NPQ programmes, for teachers and leaders working in schools and settings serving disadvantaged communities.  This free support comes in the form of an experienced former school leader who will coach and guide you throughout your NPQ. You can apply for this in your application with us and Teach First will allocate this support on a priority school basis.

• NPQ for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) - £840
• NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) - £840
• NPQ for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) - £840
• NPQ for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) - £840
• NPQ for Leading Primary Maths (NPQLPM) - £840
• NPQ for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) - £1045
• NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) - £1,045
• NPQ for Headship (NPQH) - £1,690
• NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) - £3,245

Scholarship Funding (currently valid until end of 2023-24 academic year)

From Autumn 2021, all teachers and leaders employed in state funded schools, and state funded organisations that offer 16-19 places, in England will be able to access a fully funded NPQ.

Additionally, scholarship funding for the new NPQEYL is also available to early years practitioners and leaders in childcare providers and minders registered on the Ofsted Early Years Register.

In order to access scholarship funding, it is imperative that participants have completed the DfE portal registration process as the funding will be conditional on successful validation of participants’ information against TRA records. (See 'Apply' section for details of how to access DfE NPQ Portal).

The DfE are also paying additional funding to state-funded primary schools, and smaller secondary schools, to support staff release costs. Please see below for further information;

1. Register for an NPQ on the DfE portal. (When completing this stage please ensure that you specify you wish to undertake the programme with the Leicester & Leicestershire Teaching School Hub & Teach First)

2. Complete our application form. (All applications will be screened to assess applicants’ suitability before being accepted onto a programme)

Applications are now being accepted for February 2024 cohorts

Guidance on completing your application, and the questions that will be asked, can be found in the application guidance PDF below (PLEASE READ before starting your application).