Early Headship Coaching Offer
This section provides information about our Early Headship Coaching Offer for new headteachers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Early Headship Coaching Offer?
It is a targeted package of additional support tailored to the needs of headteachers new to the role of headship. It provides structured, unassessed face-to-face support based on the best available evidence about what makes an effective headteacher. You can complete it alongside your NPQH or as a standalone.
The support lasts for twelve months, and you will receive five coaching calls across that time with one of our Achievement Partners (experienced school leaders). Sessions are led by you, the headteacher, and can be focused on your own priorities, e.g. difficult conversations, staffing, self-development, or school priorities such as behaviour, culture and effective implementation. There is also an opportunity to connect and network with other headteachers where priorities align.
There is no pre-work or preparation needed for sessions other than personal reflection time and the Early Headship Coaching Offer is not linked to any other channel or assessment.
- Who is the Early Headship Coaching Offer for?
The Early Headship Coaching Offer is for headteachers new to the role of headship. You are eligible for this support package if you:
- work in a state-funded school
- are in your first five years of headship
- have previously done an NPQH / are applying for an NPQH / are currently doing an NPQH with us or another provider.
- What will I get out of the Early Headship Coaching Offer?
This is an unassessed coaching programme that gives you the tools to become a more effective headteacher.
You will benefit from:
- one-to-one coaching focused on your school’s particular circumstances. You’ll be supported to identify key goals, and step back to consider what improvements you want to implement in you school.
- ongoing support from an experienced school leader to help you reflect on the impact your NPQH learning can have on your leadership practice.
- practical guidance to help you face the known challenges new headteachers experience.
- peer networking ensuring you are well connected beyond your own school community
DfE funding to cover the course fees will be available if you are in your first 5 years of headship in England in a state-funded school or state-funded 16 to 19 organisation. You should also be doing or have done the headship NPQ.
- I’m currently doing an existing NPQH with Teach First / a different provider. Can I apply for the Early Headship Coaching Offer?
Yes, you can. The Early Headship Coaching Offer for new headteachers is a targeted package of support aimed at new headteachers, and based on the content of the NPQH, which has been reformed to ensure it is underpinned by the latest and best evidence.
The Early Headship Coaching Offer is available to those in their first five years of headship, who have either completed the NPQH before becoming a head or are currently taking the NPQH. Those teachers who have in the past or are currently taking the existing NPQH are also eligible for this support regardless of when they finished the programme, providing they are within their first five years of headship.
- How old can your NPQH be to access the Early Headship Coaching Offer?
The Early Headship Coaching Offer is available to those in their first five years of headship, who have either completed the NPQ before becoming a head or are currently taking the existing NPQH.
The Early Headship Coaching Offer will be a targeted package of support aimed at new headteachers, and based on the content of the NPQH, which has been reformed to ensure it is underpinned by the latest and best evidence. Those teachers who are currently taking the existing NPQH will also be eligible for the Early Headship Coaching Offer (if they are in their first five years of headship).
Interested in an NPQ?
Applications are now closed.
For further details on our next cohort, please register your interest.