NPQs
| NEWS | QUICK LINKS |
|---|---|
| Funding update for April 2025! | Click here to read about the new NPQ for SENCOs |
| Local NPQ applications are OPEN for April 2025 | DfE funding registration |
| Click here to read about our Whole School/Trust NPQs! | TRN applications |
| NPQ Frameworks | Hints & Tips for applications |
We're thrilled to share the DfE has confirmed funding will continue for the April 2025 NPQ cohort!
We expect it to be similar to the October 2024 cohort, with places likely capped again. While we’re still waiting for all the details, rest assured, we’ll be offering local NPQ courses next spring. Click here to read the full News article
Apply Now!
Since spots might be limited, we recommend that any staff member interested in a NPQ fill out our local application form so we can start prioritising applicants. This will not be a guarantee of place, as we will not be able to confirm these until the first week of February.
Teaching School Hub Offer
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Teaching School Hub are delighted to be working with Teach First to design, deliver and recruit nine reformed NPQs. Below are links to each NPQ and how to apply for them.
What are NPQs?
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are the most widely recognised qualifications in the education sector for current and aspiring leaders.
Accredited by the Department for Education (DfE), NPQs provide training and support for teachers and leaders at all levels. They will support you to develop the skills and knowledge to progress in your career and to support your school/setting.
Specialist 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.
Leadership NPQs
For those looking to progress into senior leadership and beyond, the following NPQs build foundational knowledge to rapidly progress a setting, school or trust’s key improvement priorities – all while creating and embedding a culture that allows the setting, staff and pupils to thrive:
Benefits for you, your setting/school or Trust
- Great development opportunities and ongoing support helps teachers/early years practitioners thrive.
- They keep talented teachers and leaders in your setting/school or Trust for the long term, equipping them with the expertise to make a difference to their children.
- NPQs support motivated teachers/early years practitioners who want to take the next step on their leadership journey.
- Teachers/early years practitioners will develop core knowledge and skills to prepare them for the long-term, as well as gaining the tools, examples and practice to start having an immediate positive impact in their setting/school.
- Strategic improvement; focused on your context and children.
- Part of a wider network of leaders and setting/schools.
Read first hand testimonials from local NPQ participants and facilitators here
Programme overview
NPQ Programme Overview
NPQ programmes are based on the DfE’s NPQ frameworks, combining expert training with tailored support to strengthen leadership and culture in your school, Trust or setting.
Each programme includes:
- Evidence-based online content to refresh and build knowledge
- Formative assessment tasks to support learning
- Face-to-face seminars with a group of peers, facilitated by an expert leader or provider Lead
- The opportunity to record reflections and consolidate learning
- School/trust/setting visits* and conferences.
Programme Lengths:
|
PROGRAMME |
Learning period (months) |
Assessment period of up to (months) |
Maximum total duration (months) |
|
Specialist NPQs |
12 |
3 |
15 |
|
NPQSL |
18 |
3 |
21 |
|
NPQEYL |
18 |
3 |
21 |
|
NPQH |
18 |
3 |
21 |
|
Early Headship Coaching Offer |
12 |
N/A |
12 |
|
NPQEL |
18 |
3 |
21 |
Assessment
The assessment process for all NPQs has been refreshed to reduce the workload burden on teachers, while still providing an opportunity to apply their knowledge. To pass the programme, participants will need to engage with at least 90% of the course and pass one summative assessment in the form of a written case study.
This assessment will take place during a fixed 8-day window. Your assessment submission is a written response of a maximum of 1500 words to a case study related to the content covered in your NPQ, and is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the NPQ Framework. It is an ‘open book’ approach, so you can refer back to your course materials when completing your response. The case study will represent a likely situation that a leader might encounter at the relevant NPQ qualification level. The summative assessment is designed to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the relevant NPQ framework and how this can be applied to school improvement.
Detailed dates will be shared with you before the start of the programme.
Join the NPQ facilitator team
We are looking for excellent and successful leaders with a good understanding of the latest evidence-based research into one or more of the following: effective pedagogical practices, effective behaviour management and leadership, effective teacher development or effective school leadership.
Please read the NPQ Facilitator Role Description at the bottom of this page and apply here to join the team.