NPQ Senior Leadership
Senior leadership national professional qualification - GOV.UK
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Who is this programme suitable for?
Department for Education NPQ scholarship funding is available to all.
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DfE-funded scholarships are available for this NPQ for all participants who are in a publicly funded school and/or 16 to 19 educational organisations in England who meet the following criteria:
• Senior leaders with cross-setting responsibilities.
• Teachers and leaders aspiring to become senior leaders with responsibility across an educational setting.
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If you do not work in an eligible school, the NPQ in Senior Leadership costs £1,149 plus VAT.
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Develop the knowledge, confidence and leadership expertise to make a lasting impact
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This 18-month National Professional Qualification (NPQ) programme is designed to strengthen leadership capability and support meaningful, sustainable improvement across educational settings.
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Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise as a current senior leader or take the next step into strategic leadership, this programme will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies to lead with impact.
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Throughout the programme, you will develop expertise in key areas including:
• Leadership knowledge and specialist expertise needed to tackle improvement priorities in your educational setting
• Supporting the development of a positive, predictable and safe environment for pupils
• Contributing to your educational setting’s strategic direction and establishing an environment for learner success
• Helping staff feel supported, valued and professionally developed
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Designed with busy professionals in mind, the programme combines flexible, evidence-informed learning with practical application to ensure your development has an immediate and lasting impact in your setting.
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The Programme at a Glance:
• Duration: 18 months
• Study commitment: Approximately 1–2 hours per week
• Delivery model: A blend of self-directed study, collaborative group sessions and facilitated learning.
Funding Opportunities:
Funding is available for teachers and educational leaders working in many state-funded settings across England, subject to eligibility criteria.
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Please note that while many participants may be eligible for funded places, eligibility does not guarantee access to a funded NPQ programme.
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What you'll learn
The programme explores a broad range of leadership themes, enabling participants to strengthen both strategic understanding and day-to-day practice.
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Key areas of study include:
• Developing a positive and purposeful culture within educational settings
• Effective teaching and learning approaches
• Supporting curriculum and assessment development
• Behaviour and culture
• Additional and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Professional development and staff growth
• Organisational leadership and management
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You will also deepen your understanding of:
• The latest evidence-informed approaches to teaching and leadership
• Effective implementation strategies
• Working in partnership with parents and carers
• Governance, accountability and organisational improvement
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Throughout the programme, your training provider will share practical models and examples to help translate evidence and theory into effective leadership practice within your setting. You will also have opportunities to focus on specific areas of leadership where you would like to strengthen your expertise.
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Course Structure:
The course is designed so you can engage in live, facilitated sessions alongside modules that you can complete at any time.
The programme covers ten core topics outlined within the national NPQ framework, ensuring consistency, quality and relevance.
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Training includes:
• Independent study
• Group coaching and collaborative discussions
• Face-to-face learning sessions with peers and facilitators
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Commitment to the programme:
Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 1–2 hours per week to study and programme activities.