Leadership NPQ Programmes
Why complete a Leadership NPQ?
Successful senior leaders need a well-rounded view of school leadership, going beyond just your current areas of responsibility. Each NPQ allows you to fill any knowledge gaps that you may have. This is vital preparation for moving into both senior and strategic roles.
Who should apply?
We encourage both current and aspiring leaders to apply for their chosen NPQ programme. Aspiring school leaders gain the knowledge and skills needed to progress into their new roles. Current school leaders make up a large proportion of our participants. They benefit from being able to update and hone their leadership styles according to the latest evidence and research. To be eligible, please bear in mind that you will need at least 2 full years teaching experience.
Who are we working with?
We are working with Best Practice Network and Teach First to bring expertly designed and high quality professional development to teachers and educators across our region.
NPQ Senior Leader.
The NPQSL examines four themes across four cycles through a blended learning approach.
- Cycle 1 – Ethical Principles and Leadership Behaviours.
- Cycle 2 – Leading Culture and Ethos.
- Cycle 3 – Leading Teaching.
- Cycle 4 – Leading Organisational Effectiveness.
This NPQ will enable you to:
- lead and tackle school improvement priorities;
- support the development of a positive, predictable and safe environment for pupils;
- contribute strategically to whole school leadership and improvement;
- help ensure staff feel supported in their role.
Over 18 months, the course involves:
- 38hrs independent online study;
- four 6 hour face-to-face conferences;
- 6 hours of coaching from a dedicated Leadership Performance Coach;
- Expert talks from renowned education and industry leaders.
The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) costs £1,145 plus VAT if applicable.
For details of funding, please see our NPQ Funding page.
The NPQSL qualification offers 60 Masters credits and can act as a springboard on to Liverpool Hope University’s MA in Leading in Education or the MBA in Educational Leadership.
NPQ Special Educational Needs Coordinator
The NPQSENCO examines four themes across four cycles through a blended learning approach.
- Cycle 1 – Preparing to Practice
- Cycle 2 – SEND in schools
- Cycle 3 – Leading SEND
- Cycle 4 – Culture and Ethos
This NPQ develops staff who:
- Are strategic leaders within their schools, playing a pivotal role in shaping whole-school teaching practices and fostering inclusive environments where pupils with SEND can thrive
- Have the skills necessary to successfully implement sustainable changes intended to secure improved pupil outcomes
- Recognise the importance of having a secure evidence-base to underpin their strategic decision-taking and is familiar with the science of learning
- Shares common understandings and a shared professional language with other leaders in your school – the ‘golden thread’ of professional development
Over 18 months, the course involves:
- 38 hours independent online study;
- four full-day face-to-face conferences;
- six hours coaching from a dedicated Leadership Performance Coach;
- Expert talks from renowned education and industry leaders.
The National Professional Qualification for SENCOs costs £1,298 plus VAT if applicable.
For details of funding, please see our NPQ Funding page.
The NPQH qualification offers 100 Masters credits and can act as a springboard on to Liverpool Hope University’s MA in Leading in Education or the MBA in Educational Leadership.
NPQ Headship
The NPQH examines four themes across four cycles through a blended learning approach.
- Cycle 1 – Ethical principles and Leadership Behaviours
- Cycle 2 – Leading Culture and Ethos
- Cycle 3 – Leading Teaching
- Cycle 4 – Leading Organisational Effectiveness.
This NPQ will enable you to gain confidence in leading:
- curriculum and assessment;
- behaviour;
- professional development;
- governance and accountability;
- planning and implementing school improvement.
Over 18 months, the course involves:
- 38 hours independent online study;
- five full-day face-to-face conferences;
- six hours coaching from a dedicated Leadership Performance Coach;
- Expert talks from renowned education and industry leaders.
The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) costs £1,980 plus VAT if applicable.
For details of funding, please see our NPQ Funding page.
The NPQH qualification offers 100 Masters credits.
NPQ Executive Leader.
The NPQSL examines four themes across four cycles through a blended learning approach.
- Cycle 1 – Ethical Principles and Leadership Behaviours
- Cycle 2 – Leading Culture and Ethos
- Cycle 3 – Leading Teaching
- Cycle 4 – Leading Organisational Effectiveness
This NPQ develops leaders who:
- Are able to set, and deliver, an ambitious vision for the trust
- Are equipped with essential knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the different domains an executive leader must lead
- Can lead and establish a culture of professional evidence-based enquiry throughout the trust and support other leaders in its implementation
- Has the skills to weigh the benefits of establishing common systems and practices across a trust against the benefits of with providing the constituent schools with the freedom to develop their own practices
- Has a deep understanding of the complexities of implementing sustainable change across several organisations
- Shares common understandings and a shared professional language with other leaders within and beyond their trust – the ‘golden thread’ of professional development
Over 18 months, the course involves:
- 38hrs independent online study;
- 6 face-to-face conference days;
- 6 hours of coaching from a dedicated Leadership Performance Coach;
- Expert talks from renowned education and industry leaders.
The National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) costs £4,095 plus VAT if applicable.
For details of funding, please see our NPQ Funding page.
The NPQEL qualification offers 100 Masters credits.
NPQ Early Years Leadership.
The NPQ in Early Years Leadership is designed for current and aspiring leaders in nurseries, schools and childminding settings. It will help you:
- Strengthen your leadership to improve outcomes for young children
- Build a supportive, development-focused environment for colleagues
- Lead strategic change to support all children’s development, which includes children with additional and special educational needs.
You’ll explore how to lead effectively in Early Years settings – from developing your team to improving child development outcomes and leading improvement across your setting.
Modules include:
- Culture
- Implementation
- Organisational management
- Child development and curriculum
- Communication, language and literacy
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Assessment
- Additional special educational needs and disabilities
- Professional development
- Working in partnership
This programme includes a practical cycle where you plan or lead a strategic improvement in your setting.
Over 18 months, the course involves:
Blended learning: online modules, online seminars, in-person conferences
Fully funded places available (subject to eligibility)
Self funded: £1090 + VAT
The NPQEYL with Teach First does not carry Masters credits
