About our NPQ programmes

This section provides information on the content and structure of our NPQ programmes.

Frequently asked questions

What types of NPQs are there?

There are five specialist NPQs for teachers and leaders who want to broaden their expertise in particular areas.

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

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

NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
NPQ in Headship (NPQH)
NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
NPQH Early Headship Coaching Offer
NPQ in Executive Leadership (NPQEL)
NPQ for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs)

What is the structure of the NPQ programme?

Each programme consists of a series of courses made up of an online module and an accompanying group seminar.

Throughout the programme leaders will consider how to effectively implement change and apply the learning from each module in their context. There is also a separate implementation module that supports you to understand this process in more detail.

There will also be two conference days, held either in-person or virtually depending on your delivery partner.

The leadership programmes (NPQSL, NPQH, NPQEYL, NPQEL and NPQ for SENCOs) also include a school visit to a different setting.

What is the balance of synchronous and asynchronous content?

You will have access to online content that will provide flexible asynchronous learning that can be done at a time to suit your pace. Much of the NPQ framework will be covered in this learning environment and it provides the foundational learning that is explored further in seminars/conferences.

As a programme member, you will be able to tailor your own personalised learning journey, so that you are building on prior knowledge - a diagnostic activity at the start of the module will support you to engage with a number of choice elements and clear core and extension content.

A formative task (reflection) towards the end of the module will encourage learning to be put into practice. Engagement with the diagnostic and reflective tasks is a requirement to meet the criteria for assessment, they count for 50% of your engagement on the programme.

For the NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQLL, NPQLPM and NPQLBC there are nine seminars across the course of the year, as well as two conferences. There is additional content during the course focused on implementation of an improvement in school.

For the NPQSL, NPQ for SENCOs, NPQH, NPQEYL and NPQEL, there are 10 modules organised across 5 terms.

After each online self study unit, there is a seminar to consolidate learning. There is a final seminar to discuss next steps and reflections. There are two conferences, and you will also participate in a visit to a contrasting setting. For those completing the NPQ for SENCOs, there will be the opportunity for more than one visit.

What is the programme duration?

The duration of your programme depends on the NPQ you are applying for:

NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT): 15-month programme (12 months’ delivery and followed by a three-month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC): 15-month programme (12 months’ delivery and followed by a three-month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD): 15-month programme (12 months’ delivery and followed by a three-month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL): 15-month programme (12 months’ delivery and followed by a three-month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM): 15-month programme (12 months’ delivery and followed by a three-month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL): 21-month programme (18 months’ delivery and followed by a three-month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL): 21-month programme (18 months’ delivery and followed by a three-month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ in Headship (NPQH): 21-month programme (18 months’ delivery and a three-month assessment window, with flexibility to extend by up to six months for teachers new to the role of headship. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ in Executive Leadership (NPQEL): 21-month programme (18 months’ delivery and followed by a three-month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)
NPQ for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs): 21-22 month programme (18-months' delivery, plus 3 to 4 month assessment window. Dates for assessment submission will be confirmed at the start of the programme.)

How can I balance the NPQ around my existing workload?

Our blended learning approach offers you the flexibility and accessibility of self-directed online content, alongside synchronous seminars in small groups to consolidate knowledge. This approach is designed to support you to access the content in a way that is tailored to your starting point and workload, as well as supporting those in more isolated locations and/or with existing commitments or individual requirements.

The dates for the two conferences will be shared at the start of the programme to support your planning and are designed as important opportunities to network and build on learning from the NPQ framework.

What support is available on the programme?

The design of the programme allows you to navigate online learning content based on your starting point and to use formative assessments along the way to assess your progress. Our helpdesk provides prompt support should you experience any technical difficulties.

Seminars and conferences are facilitated by experienced school leaders with expertise in the specialism of the NPQ they are delivering.

You may also be able to apply for our free 1:1 support which runs alongside your NPQ of choice. You’ll be supported by an experienced former school leader who will coach and guide you throughout your NPQ. You can make a request to be considered for this additional support when you apply for your programme.

With NPQ programmes spanning two academic years, what happens if I leave or change employment?

You will be able to request to continue your NPQ programme in your new school or setting. Your new employer would need to agree to your continuing on the programme in the new setting.

How can I claim my NPQ certificate when I have successfully completed the programme?

Successful NPQ programme members can access a copy of their certificate by logging into the Teaching Regulation Agency’s 'Access your Teaching Qualifications' portal.

You will need to know your teacher reference number (TRN) to access the portal.

If you do not know your TRN, find instructions on the GOV.uk website. If you have difficulties accessing your teaching qualifications, please contact the Teacher Qualification Unit at qts.enquiries@education.gov.uk.

Interested in an NPQ?

Applications are now closed.

For further details on our next cohort, please register your interest.

Return to the NPQ Knowledge Base