Specialist NPQ Programmes
Why complete a Specialist NPQ?
The suite of specialist NPQs each target a specific area of school development that needs its own leadership and direction. Giving each area its own programme allows you to gain the knowledge and skills needed in order to have a real lasting impact on these important school areas.
Who should apply?
Anyone with a burning passion for one of the four specialist areas wishing to expand their knowledge and understanding should look to apply. This includes experienced leaders in senior positions and those who already hold specialist area positions. Each programme gives these leaders the depth in understanding needed to improve school and pupil outcomes.
Which NPQ is right for me?
Specialist NPQs are ideal for teachers with at least two years’ experience in the classroom, who are either aspiring to subject or phase leadership, or who want to develop their practice within a specific aspect of school life.
Who are we working with?
For 2025/26, we are delighted to be working in partnership Best Practice Network to bring expertly designed programmes of high-quality professional development to teachers and educators across our region. Details of each of the programmes offered in partnership with Best Practice Network are detailed below.
NPQ Leading Teaching.
- Become adept at supporting effective teaching across school
The NPQLT examines three themes across three cycles through a blended learning approach.
- Cycle 1 – Professional Learning
- Cycle 2 – Leading Teaching
- Cycle 3 – Building Culture and Ethos
This NPQ will enable you to:
- create a culture of high expectation around the quality of teaching and learning;
- support colleagues with all aspects of their teaching;
- contribute to effective professional development linked to teaching, curriculum and assessment
Over 12 months, the course involves:
- 34 hours independent online study;
- three 6-hour face-to-face conferences;
- 5 hours in-school coaching.
- Total learning hours = 74
For details of available funding, please visit our Funding page.
The course fee for all non-funded participants is £895.
The next NPQLT cohort will run in 2025/26. Dates tbc.
We are proud to be working with Best Practice Network to offer the NPQLT
The NPQLT qualification is worth 40 Master’s credits.
NPQ Leading Teacher Development
- Become adept in supporting initial teacher training, early career teachers as well as the wider development of all colleagues across the school
The NPQLTD examines three themes across three terms through a blended learning approach.
- Cycle 1 – Implementation and School Culture
- Cycle 2 – Designing Professional Development and Utilising Existing Frameworks;
- Cycle 3 – Internal & External Expertise and Effective Teaching
This NPQ will enable you to:
- implement evidence-based professional development programmes focused on improving classroom teaching;
- promote a strong CPD culture across your school;
- develop your skills and confidence in supporting those new to teaching
Over 12 months, the course involves:
- 34 hours independent online study;
- three 6-hour face-to-face conferences;
- 5 hours in-school coaching.
- Total learning hours = 74
For details of available funding, please visit our Funding page.
The course fee for all non-funded participants is £895.
The next cohort for NPQLTD will run in 2025/26. Dates tbc.
We are proud to be working with Best Practice Network to offer the NPQLTD
The NPQLTD qualification is worth 40 Master’s credits.
NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture
- Become adept in ensuring good behaviour and a culture of high expectations and learning are maintained across the school
The NPQLBC examines three cycles through a blended learning approach.
- Cycle 1 – Behaviour and Culture – an introduction.
- Cycle 2 – Leading Behaviour Systems.
- Cycle 3 – Building Culture and Ethos.
This NPQ will enable you to:
- set a culture of high expectations and learning;
- create conditions for good behaviour, ensuring colleagues are supported in their classroom-level approaches;
- support pupil wellbeing and understanding the impact this has on behaviour
Over 12 months, the course involves:
- 34 hours independent online study;
- three 6-hour face-to-face conferences;
- 5 hours in-school coaching.
- Total learning hours = 74
For details of available funding, please visit our Funding page.
The course fee for all non-funded participants is £895.
The next cohort for NPQLBC will run in 2025/26. Dates tbc.
We are proud to be working with Best Practice Network to provide the NPQLBC.
The NPQLBC qualification is worth 40 Master’s credits.
NPQ Leading Literacy
- The NPQ in Leading Literacy is for teachers who lead, or aspire to lead, literacy across a school or phase.
The NPQLL will help you:
- Build your expertise in literacy development, reading comprehension and writing instruction
- Lead with confidence, using evidence-informed approaches to improve literacy outcomes
- Support your colleagues to embed effective literacy practices across the curriculum
You’ll explore the most effective ways to lead literacy across your school, from early reading to writing development. You’ll also learn how to support colleagues to improve their practice and embed literacy across the curriculum.
Modules include:
- Teaching
- Implementation
- Developing a Reading Culture
- Disciplinary Literacy
- Supporting Reading and Writing
- Professional Development
- Literacy Leadership
- Expert-led Conversations
- Practical Implementation
Over 12 months, the course involves: Blended learning: online modules, seminars, in-person conferences
For details of available funding, please visit our Funding page.
Fully funded places available (subject to eligibility)
Self funded: £899 + VAT
The next cohort for NPQLBC will run in Autumn 2026. Dates tbc.
We are proud to be working with Teach First to deliver NPQLL
The NPQLL qualification with Teach First does not carry Masters credits.
